Common Motors is taking a look at methods so as to add quad-motor powertrains to its electrical automobiles, with a deal with efficiency each on and off-road.
In a patent submitting printed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Nov. 21, 2024, and filed by GM Might 17, 2023, the automaker discusses use of a mechanical coupling to permit two electrical motors to drive the identical axle.
Common Motors quad-motor coupling patent picture
The coupling would permit each motors to be locked collectively, probably by way of a clutch pack, in line with the submitting. This might assist ship most torque throughout a greater variety of eventualities, GM notes.
For instance, when off-roading on low-traction surfaces or with one wheel off the bottom, the mixed torque of each motors could possibly be despatched to the wheel with essentially the most grip, GM says. Alternatively, GM says that on pavement,”directional stability could also be improved at straight-line launch, which can lead to improved 0-60 efficiency, and at excessive pace, which can mitigate extreme steering sensitivity.”
2024 GMC Hummer EV
The patent submitting discusses utilizing pairs of motors on the entrance or rear axles of an EV, permitting for a quad-motor powertrain. GM at the moment gives a tri-motor powertrain on the GMC Hummer EV, with a single entrance motor and twin rear motors, however with digital quite than mechanical controls for the rear motors.
Amongst different automakers, Rivian gives a quad-motor powertrain in its R1S and R1T, whereas BMW has been publicly testing its personal model since 2022. Anticipated to ship a peak of 1,341 hp in some functions, BMW’s quad-motor powertrain will seemingly be utilized in an electrical M3 sports activities sedan.
