Prior delves into the world of in-wheel electric motors with a new perspective. A company is on the brink of installing 39kg electric motors into wheels, a concept that challenges the traditional understanding of unsprung mass in vehicles. Contrary to past beliefs, a study conducted by Lotus Engineering suggests that unsprung mass, the weight located at the road end of the suspension, may not be as critical as previously thought.
In the past, Lotus Cars celebrated every gram shaved off from the unsprung corners of their vehicles, emphasizing the importance of reducing unsprung mass for better control and performance. However, the recent findings questioning the significance of unsprung mass have sparked a debate among automotive engineers.
While reducing unsprung mass was believed to enhance agility, control, and acceleration, the new perspective challenges this notion. The argument is that as long as the components are robust enough, the weight of the wheel/brake/hub combination may not have a significant impact on performance.
Personal experiences further highlight the effects of unsprung mass on vehicle dynamics. From the improved agility of a mountain bike with lighter rims to the enhanced steering and ride quality of a Porsche Cayman equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, the impact of unsprung mass is undeniable.
Protean, the company developing in-wheel motors for vehicles weighing up to 5.2 tonnes, acknowledges the importance of balancing weight and strength in their designs. While heavier bodies may require more robust components, the overall impact of unsprung mass on vehicle performance remains a topic of debate.
The evolving understanding of unsprung mass challenges conventional wisdom in the automotive industry. As technology advances and new innovations emerge, the role of unsprung mass in vehicle dynamics may continue to be reevaluated. Prior’s exploration of in-wheel electric motors sheds light on the complex relationship between weight, performance, and design in modern vehicles.
