Donut Lab has unveiled its new motor that fits into the wheels of electric cars at CES 2025. With up to 50% weight reduction, increased range and lower manufacturing costs, the technology promises futuristic designs and greater accessibility in the EV market.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but innovation never stops. At CES 2025, Donut Lab, an electric motor manufacturer, revealed a technology that could transform the design of EVs: a donut-shaped motor designed to be installed directly into the wheels. Let’s see how this idea could change everything.
What is the new engine?
The name “donut” is not for nothing. The engine, developed by Donut Lab, has a large hole in the center, allowing it to be fitted directly to the vehicle’s wheels. This innovation is not just aesthetic, but practical: by eliminating the need for a mid-body engine, the overall weight of the vehicle is significantly reduced.
This engine is a second generation of Donut Lab technology, with an impressive 630 kW of power (845 horsepower) and 4.300 Nm of torque per unit. Weighing just 40 kg, it promises high performance with less impact on the vehicle's overall weight. It eliminates traditional components such as transmission systems and axle shafts, making room for more interior comfort.
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Benefits of the new engine for electric vehicles
Less weight means more efficiency. In EVs, reducing weight is a crucial factor in increasing battery range. With the donut engine, vehicles can travel longer distances without needing to recharge as often.
Without the engine taking up space in the body, manufacturers will have more freedom to create innovative designs. Imagine cars with larger seating areas, more cargo capacity, or even completely new interior layouts. The future of EVs has never been more exciting.
The impact on the electric vehicle market
Donut Lab claims the new engine is up to 50 percent cheaper to manufacture, thanks to the use of fewer parts. This could make EVs more affordable, attracting a larger audience and accelerating the transition to sustainable vehicles.
While traditional motors require multiple components to operate, Donut Lab’s wheel motor simplifies the process. This not only reduces costs, but also reduces maintenance complexity. However, this simplicity presents new challenges.
Unsprung mass and impacts on handling
While the donut engine reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, it adds mass to the wheels, which can affect handling and braking. This issue, known as unsprung mass, is a concern that Donut Lab and others need to address to ensure performance and safety.
Still in the testing phase, technologies like Donut Lab’s and initiatives from companies like BMW show that the race to improve EVs is just beginning. Despite the challenges, the possibilities are promising, especially for those seeking more efficient and economical solutions.
Donut Lab’s donut-shaped motor is proof that innovation can come from simple, functional ideas. By reducing weight, increasing efficiency, and opening up creative design possibilities, this technology has the potential to transform the electric vehicle industry. Despite the technical challenges, the future looks bright, and we’re just beginning to explore the possibilities of this innovation. What do you think? The Donut Motor could be the key to the next automotive revolution?
I just thought 630 kW per unit was an absurd value, as the car would have 4 times that power with 4 Donuts.
And let them come to Brazil!!!