Critical Review of Direct-Drive In-Wheel Motors in Electric Vehicles

Liang Li, Litao Dai, Shuangxia Niu (), Weinong Fu and K. T. Chau
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Liang Li: Research Centre for Electric Vehicles, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Litao Dai: Research Centre for Electric Vehicles, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Shuangxia Niu: Research Centre for Electric Vehicles, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Weinong Fu: Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
K. T. Chau: Research Centre for Electric Vehicles, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-31

Abstract: The primary challenge for electric vehicles in replacing oil-fueled vehicles today is their limited range, despite significant advancements in energy storage technology and alternative fuel vehicles over the past few decades. Direct-drive in-wheel motors (IWMs) can achieve higher efficiency by eliminating components such as gearboxes, differentials, and clutches, allowing for longer mileage with the same battery capacity. This positions them as a promising technology for the future of electric vehicles. This article primarily analyzes the key challenges that limit the widespread application of direct-drive IWMs in electric vehicles, including torque density, cost, reliability, efficiency, and ease of production. The article also investigates and compares the electromagnetic performance of the most representative motor topologies studied in direct-drive IWMs within both industrial and academic settings, and comprehensively evaluates the performance of these motor architectures with respect to the aforementioned performance requirements. Based on these investigations, this article aims to provide guidance and reference for the electromagnetic design and analysis of direct-drive IWMs.

Keywords: in-wheel motors; direct-drive; electric vehicles; torque density (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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