Hyundai is making strides in the development of in-wheel hub motors for electric vehicles, as evidenced by two recent patent filings.
One patent, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on November 14, 2024, was submitted by Hyundai’s technology supplier, Hyundai Mobis. This patent focuses on a drive mechanism that enables a hub-mounted electric motor to rotate a wheel. It includes components such as a wheel bearing, outer race, and a speed reducer with a ring gear connected to the bearing.
Hyundai in-wheel drive unit patent image
Another patent, published by the USPTO on October 29, 2024, and originally filed by Hyundai Mobis on February 13, 2022, pertains to an “in-wheel working device.” This device facilitates the integration of a gearshift mechanism into the rotor of a hub-mounted motor.
While not all patented concepts come to fruition, these filings suggest that Hyundai is actively exploring in-wheel motors. Previous concepts, like the e-Corner modular steering and propulsion system, hinted at similar ideas. This system combined in-wheel motors with steering and braking components to create modules that could be installed on all corners of a vehicle, offering flexibility in design and the ability to rotate wheels up to 90 degrees.
Hyundai in-wheel working device patent image
In 2023, Hyundai and Kia introduced the Universal Drive System, also known as Uni Wheel, which represents a hybrid approach between traditional motors and in-wheel motors. This system places motors closer to the wheels without embedding them inside.
Several other automakers, such as Ferrari and Toyota, have also patented in-wheel motor designs. Dongfeng from China claims to be the first to incorporate in-wheel motors in a production passenger car, while the Lordstown Endurance pickup truck previously utilized this technology before facing production challenges. Aptera plans to implement in-wheel motors in its three-wheeler, although it is categorized as an autocycle rather than a conventional car.