According to Continental and DeepDrive, who have formed a new strategic partnership to develop on the technology, a new wheel hub drive unit for electric cars (EV) “could revolutionize vehicle electrification”.
As a first step, both businesses will work together to create a combined unit that includes brake and drive components and mounts directly on the vehicle wheel. A dual-rotor, radial-flux motor that may be mounted as a central drive unit or as a wheel hub drive in series production vehicles has been created and patented by DeepDrive. The cooperation is concentrating on creating a compact, effective wheel hub drive that is produced at a low cost.
Director of DeepDrive stated, “We are confident that the development of our dual-rotor motor will revolutionize the electrification of motor vehicles. “Thanks to our strategic cooperation with Continental, we can combine our drive system with the necessary brake technology to provide a cutting-edge electric component vital to the mobility of the future. The enormous demand for such technology proves that this is the best course of action.
In addition to providing brake parts for the joint drive-brake unit, Continental also offers knowledge in industrializing goods all the way through series development. The drive-brake unit is first equipped with a hydraulic brake. In a further step, it is also intended to incorporate hydraulic-free dry braking systems into DeepDrive’s wheel hub drive. Drive and braking being combined into a single unit is also the first step toward a corner module, which would have integrated chassis parts like air suspension systems in a small unit right on the wheel.
As electrification of vehicles makes it feasible in the future to directly mount all chassis functions, including the drive, on the wheel, both businesses claim they see significant potential in their collaboration. Comprehensive optimization at the vehicle level is required to best execute the various criteria of EVs, such as improving the range while decreasing installation area and simultaneously modularity. According to the companies, this is where brake and drive system cooperation is most important. A particularly high level of efficiency in the drive and braking is made possible by the integration of both components into one unit. Additionally, interconnected components simplify the production process by reducing complexity through modularization.
According to the head of Continental’s Safety and Motion business unit, “With DeepDrive, we have gained a strong partner with whom we can jointly and sustainably advance the market penetration of electric mobility.” “The DeepDrive electric motors increase the driving range of electric vehicles. They use fewer resources, are lighter, and cost less. The development of a new, compact unit using all of it in combination with our effective, high-performance brake technology will significantly contribute to the success of electric mobility.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is a wheel hub drive with an integrated brake?
A: A wheel hub drive with integrated brake is a type of electric vehicle (EV) motor that is mounted directly in the wheel hub. This eliminates the need for a separate transmission and drivetrain, which can improve efficiency and performance. The integrated brake system also reduces weight and complexity.
Q: What are the benefits of a wheel hub drive with integrated brake?
A: Wheel hub drives with integrated brakes offer a number of benefits, including:
- Improved efficiency: The direct drive to the wheel eliminates energy losses associated with a transmission and drivetrain.
- Better performance: Wheel hub drives provide instant torque, which results in faster acceleration and better handling.
- Reduced weight and complexity: The elimination of the transmission and drivetrain reduces the overall weight and complexity of the vehicle.
- Simplified maintenance: Wheel hub drives are easier to maintain than traditional drivetrains.
Q: What are the challenges of developing a wheel hub drive with integrated brake?
A: One of the biggest challenges in developing a wheel hub drive with integrated brake is designing a motor that is powerful and efficient, while also being compact and lightweight. Another challenge is developing a brake system that can withstand the high temperatures and forces generated by the motor.
Q: When will wheel hub drives with integrated brakes be available in production vehicles?
A: A number of companies are currently developing wheel hub drives with integrated brakes, but it is not yet clear when they will be available in production vehicles. However, the technology is rapidly advancing, and it is likely that we will see wheel hub drives with integrated brakes in production vehicles within the next few years.
Q: What are some of the potential applications for wheel hub drives with integrated brakes?
A: Wheel hub drives with integrated brakes have the potential to be used in a wide range of vehicles, including:
- Electric cars: Wheel hub drives can improve the efficiency and performance of electric cars.
- Electric buses: Wheel hub drives can also be used to improve the efficiency and performance of electric buses.
- Electric trucks: Wheel hub drives can also be used to improve the efficiency and performance of electric trucks.
- Hybrid vehicles: Wheel hub drives can also be used in hybrid vehicles to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Q: How much will wheel hub drives with integrated brakes cost?
A: The cost of wheel hub drives with integrated brakes is expected to be higher than traditional drivetrains in the early stages of production. However, as the technology becomes more common and production costs decrease, the cost of wheel hub drives is expected to come down.
Q: Are wheel hub drives with integrated brakes safe?
A: Wheel hub drives with integrated brakes are designed to be safe and reliable. However, it is important to note that the technology is still new, and more testing is needed to ensure that wheel hub drives are safe for use in all conditions.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of wheel hub drives with integrated brakes?
A: Wheel hub drives with integrated brakes can help to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. This is because they are more efficient than traditional drivetrains. Additionally, the elimination of the transmission and drivetrain reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, which further improves fuel efficiency.
Q: What are the future prospects for wheel hub drives with integrated brakes?
A: Wheel hub drives with integrated brakes are a promising new technology with the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. As the technology continues to develop and the cost of production decreases, we can expect to see wheel hub drives with integrated brakes in a wide range of vehicles, from electric cars and buses to trucks and hybrid vehicles
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