Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo jointly announced the development a compact, lightweight direct drive system for EVs which combines the motor, inverter, and brake into a single unit.
This enables the installation of the entire system into the wheel. The new motor transmits the high drive force necessary to run an EV directly to the wheels and its lightweight design and claimed world-class 2.5 kW/kg power density significantly limit the weight increase traditionally associated with in wheel units.
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Adopting an in wheel unit does not require a substantial change to the existing configuration of the suspension and other components. Driveshafts and other indirect mechanisms have been eliminated, allowing motor power to be applied directly to EV operation.
This reduces energy loss by 30% and increases the range on a single charge compared to existing EVs.
Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo will continue research into practical implementation of the technology, which enables more expansive interior and battery installation spaces.
In addition to the vehicle control technology it has been developing, Hitachi Astemo will apply the new direct drive system to its already extensive, global EV product lineup.
