this post was submitted on 02 Dec 2023
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But eliminating the long half shaft that accompanies the CV joint is what allows that space to be used.
I mean you're not wrong, but without separating the single motor to one at each wheel, you'd still have to translate the power from one point to each wheel. The uni bearing doesn't provide that benefit. Separate motors DOES. And tuned and articulating short shafts are not a new thing. So even without this new bearing as long as you had separate motors for each wheel all you would have is a short CV shaft between the motor and the wheel. Hell why not save all of the space and just incorporate the motor into the hub??? Since BDC motors are more efficient when wider and smaller, it would be very easy to fit them within current day hubs.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I honk for planetary gear designs every time. So I'm not knocking this design. It's simple, machinable, and direct. It's brilliant for what it is. It's just not the space saver that they are touting it to be. The video literally showed two seats side by side with a bed in the back. Unless kia started making a suburban, I'm just not that naive.
Having these gears in the hub instead of a motor would decrease unsprung weight.
I didn't think about that. Thanks for pointing it out.