Elaphe ia global champion in electric in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In partnership with InnoEnergy, a top innovation hub for sustainable energy, it hosted an exclusive event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain and Welectric was able to attend. This event, aimed at key industry stakeholders and investors, was an opportunity to showcase Elaphe’s latest technological innovations in the realm of electric mobility.
The event featured a comprehensive program, including a round-table discussion and on-track vehicle demonstrations, providing a hands-on experience, highlighting Elaphe’s in-wheel motor technology’s scalability and versatility. Participants gained insight into how this innovative technology transcends traditional vehicle propulsion by offering unparalleled design freedom, ultimate control, and efficiency—all while maintaining high performance and cost-effectiveness.
Electric in-wheel motor technology
This technology refers to a propulsion system where the electric motor is integrated directly into the wheels of a vehicle, rather than being part of the central drivetrain. It replaces traditional motors and complex transmission systems with motors embedded in each wheel, offering a compact, efficient, and more flexible design. The in-wheel motor technology enables independent control of each wheel, providing advantages such as enhanced vehicle dynamics, improved traction control, and greater energy efficiency. Additionally, it allows for more creative vehicle layouts, as there is no need for a bulky powertrain, leading to lighter and more compact designs. The technology has potential to improve performance, safety, and reduce the number of mechanical components.
The event began with remarks from Jennifer Dungs, Global Head of Mobility at InnoEnergy, who introduced the significance of in-wheel motor technology in the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs). Dr. Gorazd Gotovac, Chief Technology Officer at Elaphe, followed with a presentation detailing Elaphe’s vision for future vehicle architectures. He discussed how IWM technology goes beyond powertrain systems, enabling new functional paradigms for the next generation of software-defined EV architectures.
Attendees were given a deeper understanding of the potential of in-wheel motors, including their ability to enable advanced vehicle control, reduce components, and simplify vehicle design—crucial features for automakers looking to future-proof their products in a rapidly evolving industry.
Dynamic Panel Discussion and Expert Insights
A highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Dr. Dungs, which brought together influential voices from the automotive and investment sectors. Panelists included Mattias Berglund, VP of Strategy at Aurobay, Olivier Brosse, Global Lead for Medium-Sized Platforms at Renault-Ampere, Don Remboski, Neapco Tech Lead and Aware Mobility, Antonio Casu, CEO of ItalDesign and Gorazd Lampic, CEO of Elaphe Ltd.
The discussion centered on the potential of IWM technology from the perspectives of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the architectural challenges facing the automotive industry, and the growing importance of software in shaping the future of electric vehicle design.
In-Wheel Motor experience
The event’s exclusive hands-on experience took place at the renowned Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Formula 1 track, where Elaphe’s in-wheel motor technology was demonstrated across various vehicle platforms. Attendees had the opportunity to test multiple mule and prototype vehicles, including compact SUVs (Mazda MX-30), small crossovers (Hyunday Ioniq 5), and light commercial vehicles, all equipped with Elaphe’s in-wheel motors and custom control software.
For the first time, Elaphe publicly demonstrated its vehicle motion control software, showcasing its ability to streamline vehicle systems. This was achieved by reducing the number of mechanical components, while enhancing overall vehicle control and efficiency. In one of the most impressive demonstrations, the technology allowed for body roll control on a slalom course, without the use of active suspension, relying solely on IWM actuation. The vehicle also performed a tank turn, showcasing Elaphe’s precision and the rapid control capabilities of its motors—up to 20 times faster than conventional electric powertrains.
Additionally, Elaphe introduced its patent-pending vibro-acoustic functionality. This technology adds an immersive auditory and tactile experience to driving, with real-time, customizable sound profiles and haptic feedback, enhancing both the driving pleasure and safety of the vehicle.
Further demonstrations highlighted the scalability of the in-wheel motor technology across different vehicle segments. Elaphe affirms that it can integrate its innovative technology into over 100 applications, showcasing the adaptability of its solutions to meet the diverse needs of various vehicle types and manufacturers.
More recently, Elaphe unveiled their Sonic.1 direct-drive motor, specifically developed for front wheels of high performance vehicles.
It can provide a continuous output of 272 bhp (347 bhp peak) in a lightweight design, with over 5 kW/kg continuous power density in a 21-inch front wheel rim. The potential axle peak power of up to 1 MW in rear-wheel-drive configurations and 8kW/kg in continuous power density.
The in-wheel motors not only improve efficiency but also offer OEMs the opportunity to rethink vehicle design by removing the need for bulky drivetrain components. This allows for lighter, more compact vehicles without sacrificing performance or safety.
What Welectric Thinks
The concept of the in-wheel motor is over 120 years old and first appeared in a vehicle developed by Professor Ferdinand Porsche when he was working at Lohner. The electric motor in the wheels, either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, was an inspired creation that was hindered mainly by the limitations of the batteries of the time, which quickly lost their charge during use. The solution was the development of the first hybrid, with one or two combustion engines powering the battery, which in turn powered the motors in the wheels. (In 2011, I had the opportunity to drive the Lohner-Porsche Semper Vivus, a recreation of this car created by the Porsche Museum.)
But only now, with the maturity that 21st-century technology has provided, can in-wheel motor systems evolve and offer their advantages in everyday vehicles. The difficulties are no longer about feasibility or reliability, but economic viability, which can only be achieved with a very substantial increase in scale.
At the round table, it was possible to question the participants about why this promising technology has not yet taken off, especially considering that Elaphe is already collaborating with several manufacturers. There was no clear answer, so the impression left was that this technology still needs to prove itself industrially, as well as in performance and marketing, to demonstrate its superiority over existing solutions.
In terms of capabilities, values than can surpass, on average, 500 bhp per wheel (combined with tremendous control over the delivery of that power), points to the creation of the fastest hypercars in history. But will this niche application be enough to secure the investment? More realistically, the use of this technology to increase the volume and access to the cargo compartment of light commercial vehicles, for example, seems a likely path. Or to enhance the off-road capabilities of an all-terrain vehicle. Elaphe is looking for its opportunity to prove this technology to the world, and we believe the cause is worthy, but the final word belongs to the OEM cluster. Can a hardened, battered and bruised group of old warriors be swayed by the whimsical wonders of the in-wheel motor? The underlying feeling it that if they don’t, someone else will…
