BMW Startup Garage, DeepDrive to road test a dual rotor electric motor concept

The BMW Startup Garage[1] and the Munich, Germany-based company DeepDrive[2] are set to road-test an electric motor concept that features dual rotor technology. The companies said this technology is expected to enable efficient, powerful drives that offer plenty of range. After a pilot project on the test rig, the BMW Group and DeepDrive said they are now planning the first field test.

Various versions of the new drive will be installed into BMW Group models handling testing on the road. DeepDrive said its concept more or less melds two electric motors into a single unit, creating an energy-efficient, high-torque-density compact drive. In a conventional electric motor, the stator moves either an internal or an external rotor; however, DeepDrive said in its dual rotor concept, the stator drives both rotors simultaneously and allows for an in-wheel drive system, in which each wheel hub has its own electric motor.

The technology can also be used in a traditional, centralized drive system, where a central motor block powers the vehicle, DeepDrive said. “DeepDrive’s prototype parts largely exceeded our specifications,” said Karol Virsik, head of research vehicle concepts and technologies at the BMW Group. “That’s really unusual at such an early stage and with a completely new technology.” After a stint on the test rig, the proof of concept was deemed successful, BMW Group said.

The next step is to perform a real-world validation out on the road.

BMW Group said the BMW Startup Garage operates as a venture client, implementing technologies developed by startups.

The venture client model was established in 2015, with BMW acting as a customer and working closely with startup companies to develop their technologies.

References

1. ^ BMW Startup Garage (www.bmwstartupgarage.com)
2. ^ DeepDrive (www.thebuzzevnews.com)