Technology Revival Context

• Old technologies making comeback in recent years
• Analog computers, direct current examples
• Wheel hub motors now emerging from German company
• Could revolutionize electric vehicles

Wheel Hub Motor Fundamentals

• Electric motor placed directly at wheels vs central engine hub
• Moves action "where rubber meets road"
• Invented 1899 by Ferdinand Porsche
• Never widely used due to combustion engine dominance past century
• Only makes sense for electric motors
  • Can't put combustion engine on each wheel
  • Converting combustion→electricity→mechanical energy inefficient

DeepDrive Company Innovation

• German company developing new wheel hub motor
• Claims up to 20% efficiency increase for electric vehicles
• Enables longer range before charging needed
• Efficiency gain from direct power source-to-road connection
• Eliminates transmission system

Advantages of Wheel Hub Motors

• Space savings in vehicle body
• Simpler design, easier engine problem fixes
• Individual wheel speed control improves road traction
• Already used in most electric bikes

Disadvantages and Challenges

• Unsprung weight increase
  • Extra weight on wheels not buffered by suspension
  • Suspension between wheels/axles and car body
  • Motors endure more shocks, bumpier rides
• Easier to get dirty, harder to cool
• Requires many cables for central hub control
• More difficult tire changes
• Biggest issue: absence of gearbox
  • Can't convert fast spinning engine to wheel rotation
  • Engine spins same speed as wheel
  • Need high torque directly at wheel (previously impossible)

DeepDrive's Technical Solution

• Uses "double motor" approach
• Electric part spins two rotors
• Generates more power on wheel
• Simplified brake design reduces unsprung weight

Current Development Status

• Partnership with BMW established
• Test vehicle spotted on road one month ago
• Real implementation, not just design concept
• Author notes claims sound "sketchy" but acknowledges reality

Market Assessment

• Technology relatively unexplored, easy gains possible
• Useful for off-road driving applications
• Individual motors beneficial for specific scenarios
• Unlikely to revolutionize automotive industry completely
• Cautious optimism about German engineering capabilities