In the frame of the project we will finalise the development and the market placement of our new electric drive inside the wheel that will represent a technological break-through and will address mobility challenges in EU and global urban transportation. The GEM in-wheel product represents unique solution on the targeted market with integrated motor controller and electric motor inside the wheel. Using patent pending modular technology, the product significantly improves the state-of-the-art characteristics of in-wheel products on the global market by increasing efficiency (above 92%), torque (higher up to 25%) and lowering weight (up to 25% to competitive products). In addition the modular technology also allows a very easy adaption to various customer needs allowing to develop a cost-efficient complete product range. Main competitve advantages of our solution are: smart and simple design, low voltage, modular technology, regenerative braking, easy scalability, high reliability, excellent motor performance and excellent price/performance ratio. To achieve project goals a trans-disciplinary consortium with competent partners on their field is established. The project leader Gem motors as developer of the motor technology, joined forces with experienced partners that complement their roles: Domel as long-term and well established company in the field of electric motor production, Fraunhofer IAO as the first class research institute in the e-mobility field of production and business management, Luznar as small competent producer specialized in-wheel power electronics and City motion-Eccity as an emerging key producer of electric scooters in EU. Other third parties for motor parts production, research, structural analysis and five key customers are completing the network thus forming a complete and competent consortium to successfully accomplish the project’s objectives. Project topics are directly in-line with the Work Programme FTI.

The main goal of the innovation project is to develop a new electric drive inside the wheel for mobility market of electric buses and electric transport vehicles (E-commercial vehicles). The classical conceptual solution with electric motor positioned at the place of combustion engine has several drawbacks: heavy weight since mechanical transmission is needed, complex solution with many moving parts, low efficiency because of transmission losses and need for extra place. With our new solution that is simple (direct drive with no mechanical transmission), efficient (up to 92%), light (lighter up to 50%) and cost effective (simple production) we want to enhance the usage of electric drive for city traffic (buses and vans). In addition, our developed technology is easy adaptable for different applications and power levels due to its unique modular concept. Therefore our new electric drive solution together with low driving cost using electric energy and with reducing pollution, noise and C02 emission in cities and urban areas, especially in Low Emission Zones (LEZ), represent excellent business opportunity for emerging E-mobility market of commercial vehicles and thus also realizing a company vision to become an important European in-wheel drive producer. For the realization of the project a feasibility study is required with delivered elaborated business plan as an outcome with following objectives: • technical feasibility study of in-wheel electric drive development for 25kW power and customization to other applications – modular concept • impact study of regulations and homologation on the product development • market analysis and detailed customer requirements study • strategy definition for entering to the market and product development • analysis of manufacturing process and cost evaluation with optimal process definition • risk evaluation with measures for risk minimization • identify strategy for IP management with timeline