IS FORD LOOKING AT MOTORS IN WHEEL?

By Éric Descarries

According to the web site Motor Authority, Ford might be looking at making electric motors in wheels hooked to solid axles. Indeed, the site has unveiled that Ford has filed a patent application for solid axles with integrated hub motors. Obviously, such a configuration would be better suited to pick-up trucks and even more with four-wheel drive. Though the automaker has already nixed the idea saying such a solution would be too vulnerable, its upcoming competitor Lordstown Motor has already adopted such a system for its all-new Endurance pick-up truck thanks to the Slovenian provider Elaphe, who could also create hub motors for exotic automaker McLaren. Yet, such a technical solution could very well be used for commercial vehicles.