New Technology

[slaytan213]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/m...ive-shaft-and/

Electric car development is prompting a rethink in virtually every aspect of the automobile, from the size of the vehicle to the number of wheels and beyond. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the newest collab between Valeo and Michelin. The companies have agreed to collaborate on "electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicle systems such as the drive train, engine and battery cooling management, climate control, lighting, energy management and tires," beginning with the e-wheel. Using Michelin's Active Wheel Technology, this new device puts two electric wheels inside the hub -- one for motive power, one for active suspension -- a design that negates the need for gearboxes, drive shafts, and conventional suspension assemblies. The design has previously been tested in the Venturi Volage concept car, and the companies are currently looking to get involved with a mass-market auto maker to take this project to the next level. So if you're a large auto maker, give these guys a call -- and tell 'em Engadget sent you. Another image after the break.

basically it's motor in your wheel which doubles as your suspension. Exciting technology, hopefully it allows for decent acceleration and power.

[astonv12]

that's pretty interesting. I wonder how well it will hold up when you drive it into a pothole.

[imaxorz]

That is very interesting. I would love to see it in action.

[kyazh]

Great idea.... but there's just too much sh1t flying around the road that could destroy that creation, so it has to have a robust design. I like.

[slaytan213]

concept car with this technology



Linky

A real demonstration of spearhead technology, the car presented in its world première is entirely operational and prefigures the production of a limited series of this model, scheduled as from 2012. Like the Venturi Fétish assembled in our workshops in Monaco, the Venturi Volage will be assembled by hand, in the form of very limited production. The technological repercussions of these two cars positioned at the very top end of the market are to be found on other vehicles bearing the Venturi brand, enabling as many people as possible to benefit from the firm’s advances in the field of sustainable mobility.

[Espresso]

Interesting concept. So it's basically how an electric motor works now. You have a coil suspended inside the motor magnets. When powered, it spins freely but instead of the coils spinning, they're making the magnet piece (wrapped in rubber) spin. Now they want to add a second motor like device to act as a suspension. Strength and weaken the magnetic forces to absorb the road forces all while spinning.