A Finnish startup is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) sector with a radical new approach to electric motors that could redefine performance and efficiency across the industry. Donut Lab has unveiled a groundbreaking wheel-integrated motor technology that promises to push the boundaries of EV capabilities.
According to reports from Rzeczpospolita, Donut Lab’s new electric motors are the most powerful of their kind, boasting exceptional output and unprecedented efficiency. These motors, designed to be embedded directly into vehicle wheels, eliminate the need for traditional drivetrain components, thereby reducing weight, increasing energy efficiency, and offering greater design flexibility for automakers.
Unparalleled Performance and Efficiency
The most striking feature of Donut Lab’s new motor technology is its extraordinary power-to-weight ratio. For passenger cars, the company has developed a 21-inch wheel-integrated motor capable of delivering a staggering 845 horsepower and an astounding 4300 Newton-metres (Nm) of torque per wheel. Weighing just 40 kilograms, these motors are three times lighter than conventional electric propulsion systems, setting new benchmarks in EV technology.
Such an immense reduction in weight translates to tangible benefits for electric vehicle performance. A lighter powertrain improves handling dynamics, enhances acceleration, and reduces overall energy consumption—an essential factor for increasing range in electric vehicles. The integration of these motors directly into the wheels also allows for more efficient torque distribution, which could revolutionise vehicle traction control and stability.
Expanding Applications: From Cars to Trucks and Motorcycles
While the passenger car market is a natural fit for Donut Lab’s technology, the company has ambitions that stretch beyond traditional automobiles. Recognising the broad potential of its innovative motor design, Donut Lab is developing versions tailored for commercial trucks and motorcycles.
One of the first companies to integrate these motors into their products is Verge Motorcycles, a Finnish electric motorcycle manufacturer. Verge is equipping its high-performance electric motorcycles with a smaller version of Donut Lab’s motor, measuring 43 centimetres in diameter and weighing just 17 kilograms. Despite its compact size, this motor delivers an impressive 201 horsepower, bringing unprecedented power and acceleration to the electric motorcycle market.
Donut Lab’s ambitions extend beyond road-going vehicles. The company has announced plans for even more compact electric motors aimed at aerial mobility, particularly drones. A future iteration of the technology is expected to measure just 30 centimetres in diameter and weigh a mere 3.6 kilograms, making it an attractive option for high-performance drone propulsion systems.
Revolutionising Electric Trucking
Heavy-duty transport is one of the most challenging sectors to electrify due to weight constraints and the need for powerful, long-lasting propulsion systems. Donut Lab’s lightweight, high-torque motors offer a potential solution to these hurdles. By integrating powerful motors directly into truck wheels, manufacturers could drastically improve energy efficiency while increasing cargo capacity—two crucial factors in making electric trucking viable on a large scale.
The trucking industry stands to benefit significantly from reduced drivetrain complexity and maintenance costs. Traditional electric powertrains often require large central motors, complex gear systems, and heavy battery packs to manage torque distribution. With Donut Lab’s in-wheel motor technology, the removal of these components not only saves weight but also optimises space utilisation within the vehicle, allowing for greater design freedom in future electric truck models.
What This Means for the Future of Electric Mobility
The implications of Donut Lab’s breakthrough extend far beyond a single product launch. If successfully commercialised, this technology could reshape how electric vehicles are designed, manufactured, and driven. The elimination of bulky drivetrain components could lead to a new era of modular vehicle architectures, where automakers can develop lighter, more efficient, and more adaptable EV platforms.
Additionally, integrating motors directly into wheels enhances vehicle responsiveness and stability, potentially improving safety and handling across a range of electric vehicles. The impact on fleet electrification could be profound, as companies seek to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions while maintaining performance.
The next steps for Donut Lab will likely involve partnerships with major automotive manufacturers and further testing to validate the real-world efficiency and durability of their motors. While the startup has already made significant strides in collaboration with Verge Motorcycles, the broader automotive industry will be watching closely to see how well this technology scales for mass production.
With the rise of electrification, innovation in electric powertrains has been rapid, but Donut Lab’s in-wheel motor technology stands out as a potential game-changer. By significantly reducing weight while delivering extreme power and efficiency, the Finnish startup is poised to play a key role in the next generation of electric mobility.
As automakers and fleet operators search for more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions, the introduction of Donut Lab’s high-performance, ultra-lightweight motors could be a defining moment in the evolution of electric vehicles.
