Chinese carmaker Dongfeng recently unveiled its E70 EV sedan equipped with Protean Drive hub motors. This is a major development in the electric vehicle industry, as there has long been a debate over whether hub motors are suitable for electric vehicles. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hub motors and how Dongfeng E70EV sedans equipped with hub motors fit into this debate.
According to Dongfeng, the vehicle is equipped with two hub motors of the Protean Drive instead of using traditional electric shafts, so the structure of the vehicle is more compact and the weight is lighter.
Compared to traditional vehicles, the all-wheel-drive E70 is lighter and more efficient, with 50% more storage space, 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration, and 42% less acceleration time. This makes them ideal for electric vehicles because they do not take up much space or add weight to the vehicle. Hub motors are also very efficient because they can power the wheels directly without the need for a gearbox.
One of the main advantages of using hub motors in electric vehicles is that they provide greater flexibility in vehicle design. Traditional motor layouts require separate motor and transmission spaces, which limit the design options of the vehicle. On the other hand, the hub motor does not require extra space, which means designers have greater freedom to create unique and innovative vehicle designs.
Another advantage of hub motors is that they provide improved traction and handling. Because the motors are located inside the wheels, they provide direct power to each individual wheel. This allows for more precise control of the vehicle, especially in challenging driving conditions such as rain, snow, or ice.
However, the use of hub motors in electric vehicles also has some disadvantages. One of the main problems is that the motor adds weight to the wheels. This affects the overall weight distribution of the vehicle, thereby affecting maneuverability and performance. In addition, the production of hub motors is more complex and expensive than traditional motor layouts, which increases the cost of vehicles.
Then, Dongfeng's E70EV, equipped with Protean Drive hub motors, used hub motors in the vehicle to show that hub motors are a viable option for electric vehicles, especially in the sedan segment. The compact size and efficiency of the hub motor make it ideal for such vehicles that require a balance between performance, efficiency, and design. However, further development of hub technology may be required with regard to the impact on vehicle handling, performance, and cost due to the use of hub motors.
Overall, the Dongfeng E70EV sedan equipped with Protean Drive hub motors is a major development in the electric vehicle industry. While there are advantages and disadvantages to using hub motors in an EV, the car shows they are a viable option for manufacturers looking for innovative and efficient EV designs. As the EV market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to understand how hub motors can continue to play a role in the development of these vehicles.
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