Donut Lab & WATT: Revolutionizing EV Performance with a New Skateboard Platform
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is constantly evolving, with innovation happening at a breakneck pace. One of the most exciting developments to emerge from last year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas was the debut of Donut Lab’s remarkably small yet powerful electric motors. Initially, Donut hinted at a broad range of applications, from drones and wind turbines to even household appliances. Now, almost a year later, we’re witnessing the first tangible application of this technology in a full-fledged EV, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company. This partnership promises to redefine EV handling and efficiency, and potentially unlock a new era of customizable electric vehicles.
WATT’s PACES Platform: A Lightweight Foundation for Innovation
WATT Electric Vehicle Company previously developed the Passenger and Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES), a uniquely lightweight aluminum platform designed for low-volume EV production. PACES aims to drastically reduce the complexity and cost associated with EV development, allowing smaller manufacturers and startups to enter the market more easily. Now, WATT is integrating Donut Lab’s cutting-edge motors, starting with a configuration featuring one motor per rear wheel, with plans for an all-wheel-drive variant in the future. This integration marks a significant step forward for both companies and the broader EV industry.
The Advantages of an In-Wheel Motor Design
The small EV chassis built upon the PACES platform is particularly intriguing. By housing the motors directly within the rear wheel hubs, the design achieves an unprecedented level of space efficiency. Traditional EVs still require substantial space to accommodate their drive units, a constraint that the in-wheel motor design elegantly bypasses. This compact design isn’t just about saving space; it also contributes to a lower overall vehicle weight, improving efficiency and performance. The benefits extend beyond packaging, impacting handling and control as well.
Synergies Between Donut Lab and WATT EV
Both companies envision a vast potential for this collaborative platform, suggesting it could spawn “multiple vehicle configurations from beach buggies to high-performance sports cars to commercial delivery vehicles.” This versatility is a key selling point, appealing to a wide range of manufacturers and consumers. The combination of WATT’s lightweight chassis and Donut’s powerful motors creates a compelling proposition for anyone looking to build a unique and efficient EV.
“The integration of Donut Lab’s revolutionary in-wheel motor technology represents a significant leap for what PACES can offer the automotive world,” said Neil Yates, CEO of WATT Electric Vehicles. “Its motors, inverter, and software systems perfectly complement our lightweight platform philosophy. The direct, fine control of the individual wheel speeds brings an agility that is perfectly complemented by the low mass and inertia of our chassis technology. This skateboard can produce vehicles that will set new benchmarks for EV handling.”
Donut Lab’s CEO, Marko Lehtimäki, echoed this sentiment, stating, “WATT EV’s PACES platform provides the perfect canvas to showcase the full potential of our advanced motor technology. The exceptional low mass of PACES allows our high-torque, high-power-density in-wheel motors to truly shine, delivering a driving experience that would be impossible with heavier platforms. When you combine our direct-drive precision control with WATT’s lightweight engineering expertise, you create something genuinely transformative, a vehicle architecture that’s lighter, more efficient, more powerful, and infinitely more engaging to drive.”
Delving Deeper into Donut Lab’s Motor Technology
Donut Lab has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to electric motor design. Their motors are characterized by their compact size, high power density, and direct-drive configuration. Unlike traditional EV motors that rely on complex gearboxes, Donut Lab’s motors deliver torque directly to the wheels, eliminating energy losses and improving responsiveness. This direct-drive system also contributes to a quieter and smoother driving experience.
Key Specifications and Performance Highlights
- Power Density: Donut Lab’s motors boast an exceptionally high power-to-weight ratio, allowing for significant performance gains without adding substantial weight.
- Direct Drive: The absence of a gearbox simplifies the drivetrain, reducing maintenance requirements and improving efficiency.
- Compact Size: The small form factor of the motors enables innovative vehicle designs and maximizes interior space.
- Precise Control: The in-wheel motor configuration allows for independent control of each wheel, enhancing agility and stability.
While specific performance figures for the WATT/Donut Lab collaboration haven’t been fully disclosed, early indications suggest a significant improvement in handling and acceleration compared to conventional EVs. The ability to independently control each wheel opens up possibilities for advanced traction control systems and torque vectoring, further enhancing the driving experience.
The Broader Implications for the EV Market
The partnership between Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company represents more than just a technological advancement; it signals a potential shift in the EV market. The PACES platform, combined with Donut Lab’s motors, offers a compelling alternative to traditional EV development, particularly for smaller manufacturers and startups. This could lead to a more diverse and competitive EV landscape, with a wider range of vehicle options available to consumers.
The Rise of EV Skateboards
The concept of an “EV skateboard” – a modular platform upon which various vehicle bodies can be built – is gaining traction in the industry. Companies like WATT are pioneering this approach, recognizing the benefits of shared development costs and faster time-to-market. This trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years, as more manufacturers embrace the advantages of modular EV architectures.
Impact on Customization and Niche Vehicles
The PACES platform’s versatility makes it particularly well-suited for niche vehicles and customized applications. From off-road buggies to urban delivery vans, the platform can be adapted to meet a wide range of needs. This opens up exciting possibilities for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to create unique and specialized EVs. The lower barrier to entry offered by platforms like PACES could foster a wave of innovation in the EV sector.
Looking Ahead: CES 2024 and Beyond
The initial unveiling of this collaboration at CES 2023 generated significant buzz, and anticipation is building for a more detailed demonstration at CES 2024. GearTech will be on the ground in Las Vegas to provide firsthand coverage of the latest developments. The integration of Donut Lab’s motors into the PACES platform is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the EV industry. As the technology matures and becomes more widely adopted, it has the potential to transform the way EVs are designed, manufactured, and experienced. The future of electric mobility is looking increasingly bright, and platforms like PACES, powered by innovations from companies like Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company, are leading the charge.
Donut Lab’s website offers further details on their motor technology: https://donut.tech/
Explore WATT Electric Vehicle Company’s platform at: https://www.watt-ev.com/