[Duncan]

Hub motors are very rare - because they are a bloody silly idea for most applications!

 

[Duncan]

That probably explains their overwhelming popularity. I thought it would be more to do with their more compact use of space, lack of requirement for reduction drives, transmissions and associated losses, reduced weight etc.

Silly me!

So overwhelmingly popular that you can't find any!!

Great for bikes and other light vehicles - totally crap for road vehicles!

The problems are
(1) Torque is proportional to weight - so we usually use a gearbox to increase the torque - Tesla uses a 35 kg motor to give the torque that would have required a 300 kg motor

(2) Additional unsprung weight is a BAD idea

The result is hub motors are used for Bikes - low powered motor bikes
AND
Huge great mining trucks where the speeds are low

For something car sized and operating at highway speeds - CRAP

 

[Duncan]

Sorry, i thought I posted this on the Non Road Going thread.

Oh, I did!

Tesla are very clever, however that is a CAR!

Did I fail to mention this is an off road 6x6 that only weighs 500kg. How would you suggest that I drive six wheels without having motors on the hubs? Run six axles and CV joints?

500 kg is car sized - and yes if you want it to go fast then you should run six driveshafts

If you are happy with 5 mph - then - even then nunning driveshafts is better

 

[Duncan]

Skid steer
6 wheels
Off road
500 kg

How about using swinging arm suspension with a motor co-axial with the swinging arm and enclosed chain drive from the motor to a simple hub - one for each wheel

That keeps the motor up on the chassis - gives you some gearing options - and is relatively easy to seal