At CES 2025, electric motor manufacturer Donut Lab showcased its second-generation in-wheel drive units. These innovative motors boast impressive power and torque while maintaining a remarkably lightweight design. True to the company’s name, they feature a distinctive “donut hole” at their center.
The new motor family comprises five distinct models, each optimized for peak performance across various vehicle categories. Donut Lab emphasizes that integrating the motor directly into the wheel addresses longstanding challenges that have hindered EV development.
“After an extended wait, we are thrilled to unveil the next-generation iteration of our technology platform’s cornerstone,” said Marko Lehtimaki, CEO of Donut Lab. “Its performance capabilities are truly exceptional. Moreover, our donut motor has evolved into a comprehensive motor family, encompassing diverse size options and performance classes to suit a wide range of applications.”
Traditional powertrain systems in EVs often lead to increased manufacturing and maintenance costs, reduced vehicle performance, and added weight and complexity. By eliminating the need for power transmission, the in-wheel donut motor contributes to lighter, more economical, and simpler vehicles. Notably, it also renders unsprung mass virtually irrelevant.
Donut Lab asserts that its new donut motors are “the most advanced, powerful, and versatile in-wheel motors ever created,” surpassing existing technologies in terms of weight, torque density, and power density. This translates to significantly higher power and torque outputs within the same weight and space constraints.
“Excessive unsprung mass has been a major obstacle for widespread adoption of tire-integrated motors,” explained Lehtimaki. “However, through our advancements in torque and power density, the motor’s relative weight is now minimal, rendering unsprung mass insignificant for the first time.”
Donut Lab is introducing a five-model engine family to manufacturers, positioning it as “the most high-performance and versatile series on the market.” For instance, the 21-inch version, weighing only 40kg, can generate an impressive 630kW of power and 4,300Nm of torque – per motor. A specialized truck version of this motor has also been launched.
For two-wheelers, the company has introduced a new 17-inch motorcycle motor that delivers 150kW of power and 1,200Nm of torque, all within a compact 21kg package. Similarly, the 12-inch version caters to smaller two-wheelers, weighing a mere 8kg. The fifth motor, designed for drones, measures 120mm in diameter, producing 3kW and 20Nm while weighing only 1,500g.
Beyond the motor itself, the modular Donut platform encompasses essential components such as battery modules, computer units, and vehicle control software. The company envisions a future where customers can readily select and combine the necessary components from a catalog using standardized connectors, ensuring swift and straightforward assembly.
