- Elaphe has a brand new in-wheel electrical motor that can be utilized for hybrids or EVs
- Elaphe previewed the motor at 2025 CES within the Italdesign Quintessenza idea automobile
- The motor delivers a steady 268 hp and peak 342 hp
Legendary Italian design home Italdesign, now owned by the Volkswagen Group, showcased an up to date model of its Quintessenza idea on the 2025 CES occasion in Las Vegas in early January.
The idea combines the glossy physique of a coupe with a pickup truck-like mattress beneath a detachable rear windshield. It was first unveiled final April on the 2024 Beijing auto present, and at CES, Italdesign offered a model geared up with Sonic.1 in-wheel electrical motors from Elaphe.
Elaphe, a Slovenian firm that beforehand equipped in-wheel motors for the now-defunct Lordstown Endurance electrical pickup truck, launched its newest Sonic.1 design at CES. The motors function a steady output of 268 hp and a peak output of 342 hp. Within the Quintessenza, 4 of those motors—every measuring 21 inches in diameter and housed inside a 24-inch wheel—mix to ship over 1,000 hp. Every motor weighs roughly 88 kilos.
In accordance with Elaphe, this new system considerably enhances efficiency, practically tripling the facility output in comparison with the automobile’s unique three-motor setup displayed in Beijing. The brand new configuration additionally affords superior off-road capabilities, with wheel management that’s 20 instances sooner than the earlier system.
Elaphe Sonic.1 in-wheel electrical motor
Elaphe additional acknowledged that the motors can generate vertical forces on the chassis when excessive torque is utilized, which can enhance stability throughout cornering. This functionality may doubtlessly change or complement current semi-active and energetic suspension methods, the corporate mentioned. The corporate mentioned it additionally developed a sophisticated system to handle the inverter, enabling customizable sound profiles and haptic suggestions that may be tailor-made to fulfill the preferences of assorted producers.
Deliveries of the Sonic.1 motors are scheduled to start later this yr, although Elaphe has not introduced whether or not the motors will likely be utilized in any manufacturing automobiles.
Elaphe was not the one firm to unveil new in-wheel motor expertise at CES. An organization referred to as Donut Lab launched a modular household of in-wheel motors, together with a flagship design claimed to ship as much as 845 hp.
Whereas in-wheel motors have demonstrated many benefits, together with decreased prices and improved packaging for EVs, their long-term sturdiness has but to be confirmed. Moreover, the elevated unsprung mass they introduce can negatively affect dealing with.
