How Hub Motors Simplify an EV Powertrain

Donut Labs gets its name from the donut shape of the hub motor and the motors it makes are radial flux motors with more torque than average. Hub motors are a great way to simplify the powertrain of an EV model as there’s no need for gears or a driveshaft. However, previous versions of the hub motor have added unsprung weight and exposure to harsh conditions down by the wheels.

Because of this, hub motors have had reliability problems. However, Donut Labs claims this won’t be a problem with its motors. In fact, the company has dubbed them infinite motors because, when designed correctly, they should outlast the rest of the vehicle. According to the Donut Labs techs, a reliable hub motor is all about how it’s manufactured.

The goal is to achieve a repeatable and durable process with no coils or magnets getting in the way of motion. Donut Labs says its motors are difficult to destroy in any way besides a catastrophic crash.

Donut Labs Family of Five Motors

Recently, Donut Labs revealed its collection of five motors. The smallest motor is ideal for large drones, while the larger motors can be used in passenger cars and even semi-trucks. The company said each size has its own benefits. The larger motors offer more performance, while the smaller ones optimize affordability.

The revolutionary design could even unlock new industries, such as drones, which can lift shipping containers. The compact shape and lightweight design of the Donut Labs motors seem to have infinite possibilities. When might you see a Donut Labs motor at your local car dealer?

A good example is how it might work in a compact EV crossover. Donut Labs believes its motors could reduce the amount of parts in a powertrain by three-quarters. This would save weight and assembly time, and thus also reduce costs.

Golden Solution In Hub Motors

The first use of Donut Labs motors was in motorcycles. Industry experts have known for a long time that hub motors are the best solution to streamline EVs, but the weight has been a problem. Donut Labs appears to have the solution to make hub motors viable. A lot can change during the period when parts are tested and the motors are placed in vehicles.

However, if everything works out the way the company expects, it’s possible that EV models with Donut Lab motors might be available in a few years. The company has also fielded interest from other industries, including using the motors in washing machines and wind turbines.

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Under the Hood of the New EV Battery Study

A new study was recently done by scientists in the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center. This center is a joint venture between Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy and the SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
They found that batteries used real-world conditions such as heavy traffic, short trips in the city, and even long highway trips lasted longer than the batteries that were originally tested in the lab. In the lab, they simulated use by creating a constant rate of discharge and then recharging.

What Did the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center Do?

The SLAC-Standford Battery Center conducted their test differently than the previous battery tests. They replicated real-world conditions and driving patterns by designing different discharge patterns based on real data. They tested 92 lithium-ion batteries for over two years using a variety of different scenarios such as electronic starting and stopping, to mimic real conditions.

What Did They Find?

Once batteries were being used out in real driving conditions, including long periods of being parked, they realized that the way they were testing the batteries in the lab was not a good way to predict the life expectancy. Other driving habits such as frequent acceleration, braking the charges the battery, and letting the battery rest for several hours such as overnight, helps them last up to 40 percent longer.

So What Does This Mean for EV Drivers?

What does this pleasant surprise mean for people who already drive electric vehicles or are looking into buying electric SUVs? It means that EV drivers could save a significant amount of money in the long run.
One of the things that was holding some car buyers back from choosing an EV over a gas vehicle was the idea that they would have to replace the battery, Now, they can feel more comfortable with the idea of an EV, knowing that the replacement is many years down the road. Batteries that last longer help reduce the overall cost of owning an EV.

What Affects Battery Life

EV batteries can last 10 or 20 years, but there are many things that can have an effect on how long they last. One of the biggest factors is battery chemistry. There are two main types of batteries found in EVs: lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride. Most EVs have lithium-ion batteries.
In addition to the type of battery, the environmental conditions can impact its lifespan. Extreme heat and cold can affect the chemical process. DC fast charging is another factor that can affect battery life. Frequent use is linked to faster degradation.

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