ELAPHE SEES BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR WHEEL MOTORS IN EVS

EV Channels Review

This Autoline Exclusives episode features Elaphe's CEO Gorazd Lampic and CTO Gorazd Gotovac, discussing the company's two-decade journey developing in-wheel electric motors. The core message is that while the concept is old, Elaphe has overcome significant technical hurdles, including NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) challenges and sealing against environmental factors, to make the technology viable for mass production. They highlight that in-wheel motors are now suitable even for sports cars, dispelling concerns about unsprung weight negatively impacting ride and handling. Elaphe has partnered with companies like Neapco to integrate their 'Super Hub' motor. The future vision includes in-wheel motors as a fundamental enabler for new vehicle architectures, particularly for autonomous and connected vehicles, potentially integrating with steering and suspension systems for advanced 'corner modules.' Despite past setbacks with startups like Lordstown and Lightyear, Elaphe is now collaborating with larger legacy automakers and anticipates significant market adoption.