FYI: Ferdinand Porsche pioneered in-wheel motor technology over a century ago, laying the groundwork for modern electric vehicle innovations.
In the early 1900s, Ferdinand Porsche embarked on a journey that would lay the foundation for electric vehicle innovations we see today. Although in-wheel motors are often discussed in the context of high-performance electric vehicles today, this concept traces back to over a century when the founder of Porsche engineering, Ferdinand Porsche, was experimenting with this pioneering technology.
A Glimpse into Early 20th Century Automobiles
At the turn of the 20th century, electric vehicles were gaining traction as viable alternatives to the internal combustion engine. On April 14, 1900, 24-year-old Ferdinand Porsche, teaming up with the Austrian company Lohner, introduced the world to the Lohner-Porsche at the Universal Exposition in Paris. This engineering marvel was built in just ten weeks and featured a motor built into the front wheel hub, showcasing an avant-garde in-wheel motor design.
Pioneering the In-Wheel Motor
The Lohner-Porsche, with its in-wheel electric motors, was ahead of its time. Each motor produced 2.4 horsepower, propelling the car to a then-impressive speed of 19.8 miles per hour. In addition to pioneering electric propulsion technology, the vehicle was among the first to feature four-wheel brakes, a novelty for that era.
Advancing the Technology
Collaboration with Ludwig Lohner saw further developments in hub motor technology. Ferdinand Porsche developed motors with enhanced power outputs of up to 11.8 horsepower, expanding their application to trucks and buses. These lead-acid battery-powered vehicles boasted a range of 31 miles, a commendable feat a century ago.
Not stopping there, Porsche designed an ambitious all-wheel-drive electric race car, aptly named "La Toujours Contente," equipped with four 13.8 horsepower motors, one on each wheel. While mostly utilized in hybrid vehicles, this design paved the way for the future blend of electric and combustion motorization.
The Lohner-Porsche Semper Vivas Hybrid
The innovations didn’t stop there. The Lohner-Porsche line expanded to include the Semper Vivas hybrid, combining hub motors with a combustion engine, effectively addressing range limitations and charging infrastructure challenges—issues still relevant to modern electric car owners. Approximately 300 of these hybrid vehicles were produced, with some destined for use by the Vienna Fire Department and others as taxis.
Modern Day Applications and Future Prospects
Fast-forward to the present, and in-wheel motor technology is gradually making its way into modern vehicles. While Chinese automaker Dongfeng has announced plans to develop the first production-ready passenger car with this technology, other players like Lightyear and Lordstown have also explored, though not yet mass-produced, this technology in their designs.
Notably, automotive giants such as Ferrari hold patents for in-wheel motor designs, and Lexus, alongside its parent company Toyota, have shown interest in integrating this technology into future EVs.
In conclusion, Ferdinand Porsche’s early 20th-century developments set the stage for a technological evolution that continues to drive the electric vehicle industry today. While automakers worldwide strive to refine and integrate in-wheel motors, the pioneering work of Porsche remains a testament to innovation far ahead of its time.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
