The popular BMW brand is currently busy with implementing new changes. This should have been expected as technology continues to expand and advance every single day. BMW is being revolutionised with electronic vehicles (EVs) on wheels.
The story behind BMW and electric motors
A prototype of an in-wheel motor was revealed during the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2021. This prototype was that of DeepDrive and at that time caught the attention of popular brand BMW. Since that occurrence, BMW, the German manufacturer has intensified its relations with DeepDrive. DeepDrive created a new engine architecture that makes provision for it to be installed directly on the wheels of a car.
Additionally, both companies, DeepDrive and BMW, stated that the concept they are working on together, incorporates twin-rotor technology – offering powerful and highly efficient transmissions, while also providing great autonomy. The first major innovation that is contained by this technology is the combination of two electric motors into one single unit. The stator design, drives both internal and external rotors at the same time, thus creating a complex and highly efficient system – with a high torque density. This is unlike a conventional electric motor where the stator moves an internal or external rotor.
Furthermore, the second major innovation is that this compact, efficient, and lightweight design, allows the system to be integrated into the wheels – which allows the wheels to operate with its own electric motor. However, it is also important to note that this technology can also be applied in a traditional centralised driving system. This is where a single central motor can drive the entire vehicle.
BMW: Benefits of the Electric Vehicle in-wheels
The prototype that was created revealed many benefits of this car. For example, greater torque and power are being offered due to its patented architecture, in comparison to other technologies. The power density is being increased by the twin-rotor radical flow electric motor – as well as the torque generated. Furthermore, it emits a minimum level of noise and uses an efficient cooling system. This means that 20% additional range for electric cars is being transferred and there is a possibility of using a 20% smaller battery.
Moreover, this prototype project revealed that in-wheel motors will take up less space, be more energy efficient, lighter and less expensive, which will eventually make it an appealing option for various vehicle models with scalability potential. Consequently, BMW and DeepDrive are preparing the first field test, by installing numerous engine units in models of the Bavarian brand.
In addition, there are several other benefits of the in-wheel motor for example:
- It is more efficient
- Allow greater control of the car
- Free up space
- Power distribution,
- Torque and power,
- Allowing the car’s control system to manage each wheel independently,
- Improving safety and efficiency.
Various types of engines
DeepDrive developed three different motor types to suit different types of vehicles. For example, the smallest model, the RM 1500, is deliberately designed for compact and medium-sized cars. Therefore, it is created to be embedded into 19-inch wheels, weighs 32 kilograms, offers a maximum power of 147 kW / 200 hp. Additionally, one of the most powerful engines, is aimed at high-performance vehicles. Thus, it obtains 246 kW / 335 hp, 2,400 Nm of torque and an efficiency of 97%, all in a weight of 37 kilograms.
Moreover, DeepDrive is not just partnering with BMW, but also with other major manufacturers and suppliers. These big developers and suppliers are companies like:
- Continental – after it received the German Innovation Award.
In addition, the co-founder and co-CEO of DeepDrive, Felix Pörnbacher, emphasised that this partnership was a fundamental stepping stone that assisted them to meet and exceed rigorous industry standards. The next step is to embed the electric motors into a production model.