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DeepDrive’s Rare‑Earth‑Free Hub Motors Cut Model 3 Energy Use by About 20% in Track Test

The Munich startup working with Continental is courting major automakers during the prototype validation phase.

Overview

  • DeepDrive fitted two in‑wheel motors to the rear axle of a Tesla Model 3 and ran on‑track evaluations at the Salzburgring.
  • Measured energy consumption fell by roughly 20% in the test, indicating a meaningful real‑world efficiency and range gain.
  • Per‑wheel control enabled torque vectoring that sharpened agility in a slalom run, with strong recuperation allowing near one‑pedal driving.
  • The added unsprung mass of about 30 kg per wheel did not noticeably degrade handling in the demo, and output was capped to protect the stock battery and suspension.
  • The dual‑rotor radial‑flux design uses no rare earths and integrates maintenance‑free drum brakes; DeepDrive says this could cut production costs by up to 30% and reports talks with eight of the ten largest carmakers, with a possible first use in range‑extender vehicles.