At the highly anticipated CES 2025, Donut Lab introduced its second-generation in-wheel motors. These state-of-the-art units bring groundbreaking power and torque while maintaining an exceptionally lightweight design. True to its name, each motor features a central “donut hole,” a signature design element of the company.
The latest lineup from Donut Lab includes five distinct motor models, tailored for various types of vehicles. By integrating the motor directly into the wheel, this technology addresses many challenges that have slowed EV advancements.
Marko Lehtimaki, CEO of Donut Lab, shared his enthusiasm: “We are excited to present the next generation of our in-wheel motors. Their performance is unmatched, and this series offers sizes and capabilities adaptable for a wide variety of applications.”
Breaking Barriers in EV Design
Traditional EV powertrains often add extra weight, complexity, and cost to the vehicle while reducing overall performance. With Donut Lab’s motors, the need for power transmission systems is eliminated, resulting in simpler, lighter, and more affordable electric vehicles. Crucially, the new motors dramatically reduce the impact of unsprung mass, a major hurdle for in-wheel motor designs.
“These motors are the most advanced in-wheel units ever created,” claimed Donut Lab. They emerge as industry leaders by offering higher power and torque density compared to existing solutions—all within a compact and efficient design.
For example, the 21-inch model weighs only 40kg but generates an astounding 630kW of power and 4,300Nm of torque per motor. This version also has a specialized variant tailored for heavy-duty trucks.
A Solution for Every Vehicle Type
Donut Lab’s family of in-wheel motors is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern vehicles:
- Motorcycles: The 17-inch motor delivers 150kW of power and 1,200Nm of torque in a lightweight 21kg package, making it ideal for electric motorcycles.
- Compact Two-Wheelers: The 12-inch motor weighs just 8kg, catering to smaller vehicles.
- Drones: An ultra-compact 120mm motor with 3kW of power and 20Nm of torque weighs only 1,500g, offering game-changing performance for aerial applications.
An Ecosystem for the Future
Beyond motors, Donut Lab introduces a modular platform. The system integrates essential vehicle components such as battery modules, advanced computing units, and control software. Customers can customize and combine these components using standardized systems, enabling rapid and hassle-free assembly.
Here’s a detailed overview of their motor lineup:
Model |
Application |
Weight |
Power |
Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
21-inch |
Passenger cars/trucks |
40kg |
630kW |
4,300Nm |
17-inch |
Motorcycles |
21kg |
150kW |
1,200Nm |
12-inch |
Scooters/small EVs |
8kg |
N/A |
N/A |
Drone motor (120mm) |
Aerial vehicles |
1.5kg |
3kW |
20Nm |
Donut Lab’s next-generation in-wheel motors set a new standard in EV innovation, reshaping mobility possibilities across vehicle classes.
