Reinventing the Wheel
Fed by lithium ion batteries or fuel cells, the Active Wheel's electric motor will output 30 kilowatts of power—per wheel that is. Vehicles using this system can be configured with two Active Wheels up front, or one at each corner. This allows manufacturers to offer both two- and four-wheel drive setups.
Key advantages include reduction of energy losses, greater all-wheel drive capabilities, better regenerative braking, and extra space. With most mechanicals out of the way or eliminated, designers can expand the cabin and possibly have two trunks, one in front and one in back. In addition, the technology offers the possibility of easier conversions of gas-powered cars to electric power.
Michelin presented two vehicles, the Venturi Volage and Hueliz Will, using the Active Wheel at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in October. While the idea of placing motors directly into wheels seems revolutionary, the concept has merely come full circle—all the way from the early days of automotive history.via hybridcars
