Ford has utilized for a patent on a solid-axle and hub-motor mixture for EVs remarkably much like what the automaker dismissed as nonviable for its F-150 Lightning pickup truck.

As detailed within the software, which was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Feb. 9, a strong axle comparable to what’s at the moment utilized in many present pickups can be teamed with in-hub motors. One hub-motor meeting can be mounted at every wheel, giving the car all-wheel drive.

Clutches would management the distribution of torque, enabling 100% of the torque from one motor to be despatched to the opposite on a given axle if solely a single wheel has traction, Ford stated within the software, including that “this can be notably helpful when one wheel is off the bottom akin to throughout rock crawling.” It is also attainable to slide each clutches on a given axle, based on the applying.

Ford patent picture displaying a strong axle with EV hub motors

The usage of strong axles and reference to rock crawling suggests some sort of truck designed with off-roading in thoughts. However Ford in 2021 stated it had thought-about, after which nixed, in-wheel motors due to sturdiness points, owing to the motors’ extra uncovered outboard place. Efficiency of friction brakes whereas towing was additionally a priority.

This patent software appears to contradict that, and follows the format championed by Lordstown Motors in its Endurance pickup. The technical format, which some may see as redundant because it cancels out the packaging class of in-wheel hub motors, pairs a strong axle with hub motors. Lordstown delivered the primary batch of Endurance vans in December 2022 following many delays.

Apart from the Endurance, although, effectivity has been the principle promoting level of hub motors thus far. Lightyear claimed that the tech enabled the most effective manufacturing powertrainon the earth. Aptera can also be utilizing them to attain what it claims shall be 1,000 miles of vary within the prime model of its EV—with efficiency to rival sports activities automobiles.

Ford patent picture displaying a strong axle with EV hub motors

Lordstown, Lightyear, and Aptera all use motors from Slovenian firm Elaphe, which has been making in-wheel motors for EV makers, with its present era of the design, since 2018.

McLaren Utilized Applied sciences just lately stated that it is creating an “in-wheel propulsion system” utilizing Elaphe motors with the UK firm’s inverters for “extremely environment friendly and hyper-responsive electrical autos.”

Ford’s use of strong axles suggests one thing extra rugged, however maybe completely different from the Lightning, an software the automaker deemed hub motors unsuitable for. Or, as is very often the case with automotive technical patents, it could merely be defending mental property with none agency manufacturing plans in any respect.