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sensor solutions Electric drive Electric industrial vehicles

Wheel Drives and Hub Motors

Wheel drives units and hub motors are important components in electrified machines where compact design, high energy efficiency and operational reliability are essential. They are often used in AGVs, robotics, construction machinery, logistics automation and special-purpose machines.

With the right drive system, machine manufacturers can reduce mechanical complexity, improve energy efficiency and create a more integrated and reliable machine design.

Electric drive Electric industrial vehicles

Drive Modules for Compact and Efficient Machine Design

A multi-directional wheel drive is a system that drives and controls an electric motor. The system controls speed, torque and direction of rotation with high precision. The motor is often combined with power electronics, such as frequency converters, drive controllers or motor controllers, to provide efficient and reliable operation.

In mobile and automated machines, electric drive systems are becoming increasingly important. They make it possible to create solutions with low energy consumption, precise motion control and easy integration with higher-level control systems such as PLC, CANopen or other industrial communication interfaces.

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A hub motor is an electric motor integrated directly into the wheel hub. It drives the wheel without chains, belts or external gears. This provides a quiet, compact and virtually maintenance-free drive solution that is particularly suitable for machines and vehicles where space, noise level and easy installation are important factors.

Hub motors are best suited for even surfaces and controlled environments, such as internal transport vehicles, mobile robots and lighter e-mobility solutions. Since hub motors normally do not have a gearbox, they are less suitable for very heavy loads or applications with high starting torque requirements.

Technical Considerations When Selecting a Drive Unit or Hub Motor

When choosing a wheel drive unit or hub motor, it is important to start from the machine’s load, driving profile and environment. Correct dimensioning provides better performance, longer service life and lower energy consumption.

Important Factors to Evaluate When Selecting a Drive Unit

  • Load capacity and torque requirements
  • Speed range and requirements for control precision
  • Supply voltage and energy efficiency requirements
  • Ambient conditions, such as temperature, dust, dirt and moisture
  • IP rating and need for mechanical protection
  • Integration with PLC, drive controllers or higher-level control systems
  • Need for communication, diagnostics and safety functions

Important Factors to Evaluate When Selecting a Hub Motor

  • Load capacity, power and torque
  • Driving profile, acceleration and starting torque
  • Energy consumption, range and battery size
  • Compatibility with motor controller, battery voltage and control system
  • Surface and driving environment, especially on uneven or demanding surfaces
  • IP rating and protection against moisture, dust and dirt
  • Requirements for noise level, service intervals and mechanical integration

Customised Drive Solutions

We offer customised solutions that combine electric motors, drive units, gears and control technology. By adapting the components to the requirements of the application, we can help you achieve the right performance, high energy efficiency and a reliable machine solution.

Want to Optimise Your Next Machine Design with a Drive Module?

Contact us – together we will develop the best configuration for your application.

 

 

Wheel Load: 700 kg, 2100 kg
Acc. Torque: <450 Nm, <1600 Nm
Peak torque: 500 Nm, 2000 Nm

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Drive Unit Type: Motor in wheel
Motor: DC, AC or PM motor
Traction Power: <7 kW
Wheel Load: 200…3200 kg

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motor in wheel drive

Case

Driveline for AGV’s

In many modern automotive manufacturing facilities today, so-called continuous flow production is used. The philosophy behind the method is that the entire plant works at the same speed, a speed that is controlled by the rate at which finished products are demanded.

Frequently Asked Questions - Wheel Drives and Hub Motors

What is a wheel drive unit?

A wheel drive is an integrated system that drives and controls an electric motor. It typically regulates speed, torque and direction of rotation and is used in electric drive systems where high precision and operational reliability are required.

What is a hub motor?

A hub motor is an electric motor positioned directly in the wheel hub that drives the wheel without chains, belts or external gears. This provides a compact, quiet and almost maintenance-free solution.

When is a hub motor a good choice?

A hub motor is a good choice when the machine needs to be compact, quiet and require little maintenance. It is particularly suitable for even surfaces and controlled environments, such as warehouses, factories and automated transport systems.

What should you consider when selecting a drive unit?

Important factors include load capacity, torque requirements, supply voltage, energy efficiency, IP rating and compatibility with control systems such as PLC, motor controller or drive controller.

Can wheel drive units and hub motors be customized?

Yes. Drive units and hub motors can be combined with electric motors, gears and control technology to create a solution optimized for the machine’s load, speed, operating environment and control system.

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