Ferrari has recently submitted a patent for a novel in-wheel electric motor, representing a significant advancement in this technology. While in-wheel motors are not a new concept, Ferrari’s approach, as outlined in the patent, offers a more streamlined design.
This patent application, first identified by CarBuzz, was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on April 21 and made public on November 2. Ferrari’s submission details how its in-wheel motors can enhance vehicle interior space by eliminating the need for gearboxes, which are traditionally used to transfer power from centrally-mounted motors to the wheels.
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Ferrari acknowledges that in-wheel motors could potentially lead to an increase in the number of components within a wheel assembly, potentially raising costs and adding complexity. To address this, Ferrari’s design aims to combine the motor and wheel elements as closely as possible.
The patent outlines a design centered on a brushless permanent magnet synchronous AC motor. This motor type features a central stator encircled by a rotor, which is propelled by magnetic forces. Ferrari’s innovative approach involves integrating the stator with the wheel hub, while the rotor is connected to the rim, allowing it to rotate in unison with the rotor.
Ferrari In-Wheel Motor Patent Illustration
Another challenge with in-wheel motors is the additional unsprung weight they introduce to the wheel assembly, which could impact both ride quality and vehicle handling. However, Ferrari suggests that this can be effectively managed with a carefully designed suspension system.
In-wheel motor technology has been explored by several companies, including Lordstown Motors, which produced a limited number of the Lordstown Endurance pickup trucks using in-wheel motors sourced from the Slovenian company Elaphe. Despite this, Lordstown faced bankruptcy shortly after commencing production.
At the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a collaboration between McLaren and Elaphe was announced, aiming to integrate McLaren’s racing technology with Elaphe’s in-wheel motors. While there have been ongoing speculations about an electric McLaren supercar, the company’s CEO indicated that the necessary technology for such a vehicle might only become available by 2030.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ferrari In-Wheel Motor Patent
What is the new patent filed by Ferrari about?
Ferrari has filed a patent for an innovative in-wheel electric motor design. This design is aimed at simplifying the integration of electric motors with the vehicle’s wheels, potentially enhancing interior space by eliminating the need for traditional gearboxes.
How does Ferrari’s in-wheel motor design differ from existing technologies?
Ferrari’s design integrates the motor and wheel components more closely. It employs a brushless permanent magnet synchronous AC motor, where the stator is part of the wheel hub and the rotor is attached to the rim, enabling more efficient operation.
What are the potential benefits of Ferrari’s in-wheel electric motor?
The primary benefits include freeing up vehicle interior space and doing away with the need for gearboxes. This design could also lead to improved vehicle dynamics due to the unique way the motor components are integrated with the wheel assembly.
Are there any challenges associated with in-wheel motors?
Yes, in-wheel motors can increase the number of parts in a wheel assembly, adding cost and complexity. Additionally, the added unsprung weight from the motor can affect ride quality and handling, though Ferrari claims these issues can be mitigated with an appropriate suspension scheme.
Have other companies experimented with in-wheel motors?
Several companies, including Lordstown Motors and a collaboration between McLaren and Elaphe, have experimented with in-wheel motors. However, challenges like bankruptcy and technological limitations have impacted their widespread adoption.
More about Ferrari In-Wheel Motor Patent
- CarBuzz: Ferrari Patent Application
- USPTO: Ferrari’s In-Wheel Motor Patent Details
- Overview of In-Wheel Motor Technology
- Lordstown Motors and In-Wheel Motor Challenges
- CES 2023: McLaren and Elaphe Collaboration Announcement
5 comments
Ferrari and electric motors, now that’s a combo I didn’t expect! but hey, times are changing, right?
wow, Ferrari’s really stepping up their game with this tech, wonder how it’ll pan out in the real world, you know?
So cool to see how they’re integrating the motor with the wheel, makes you think about the future of cars right?
electric motors in the wheels sounds great and all but what about the weight? gotta think about handling and stuff.
the tech sounds promising, but I’m curious about the cost implications… high-end stuff for sure.