# **Donut Labs’ Innovative Hub Motors Could Revolutionize Electric Vehicles**
The electric vehicle (EV) sector is continually advancing, with fresh innovations arising to enhance efficiency, performance, and eco-friendliness. One of the most promising developments in recent times is the creation of hub motors—electric motors that are embedded directly into a vehicle’s wheels. Although hub motors provide various benefits, they have historically encountered obstacles pertaining to weight, durability, and efficiency. Nonetheless, a startup named **Donut Labs** asserts that it has addressed these challenges with its groundbreaking **”infinite motor.”**
## **The Benefits of Hub Motors in EVs**
A significant advantage of EVs is their **design and packaging versatility**. In contrast to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which necessitate intricate drivetrains, exhaust systems, and cooling systems, EVs can be crafted with more creative freedom. Batteries can be placed strategically to achieve **ideal weight distribution and safety**, and electric motors can be situated nearer to the wheels for **enhanced efficiency and performance**.
Hub motors elevate this principle further by removing the necessity for **driveshafts, differentials, and transmission systems**. With motors positioned directly in the wheels, vehicles can achieve **simplified powertrains, minimized mechanical losses, and heightened energy efficiency**. However, conventional hub motors have grappled with **excess unsprung weight, vulnerability to harsh road conditions, and durability issues**—challenges that Donut Labs claims to have resolved.
## **Presenting Donut Labs’ “Infinite Motor”**
Donut Labs’ motors are **radial flux motors**, crafted to produce **high torque while retaining a compact and lightweight design**. The company’s CEO, **Marko Lehtimäki**, refers to the technology as an **”infinite motor”** because it is designed to **extend beyond the vehicle’s lifespan** when produced correctly.
In contrast to standard hub motors, which tend to be susceptible to **degradation from road debris, moisture, and extreme weather**, Donut Labs has engineered a **sturdy and highly resilient design**. According to **Ville Piippo, the firm’s Chief Product Officer**, the secret to their effectiveness lies in their **cutting-edge manufacturing process**, which guarantees that **no magnets, coils, or components dislocate** during use.
### **Reasons Donut Labs’ Motors Are Unique**
1. **Durability & Longevity** – These motors are crafted to endure severe conditions and outlast the vehicle itself.
2. **High Torque & Efficiency** – Despite their small stature, these motors produce **substantial torque**, making them ideal for various uses.
3. **Lightweight Construction** – Unlike typical hub motors, which contribute to **unsprung weight** on the vehicle, Donut Labs has refined its design to reduce this concern.
4. **Diverse Applications** – The company has introduced a **line of five motors**, ranging from **small drone motors to large truck applications**.
## **Potential Uses & Impact on the Industry**
At **CES 2025**, Donut Labs exhibited its **collection of motors**, showcasing their potential across various sectors. The smallest motor is crafted for **drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles**, while the larger models are aimed at **passenger vehicles, semi-trucks, and even industrial applications**.
### **Electric Vehicles & Semi-Trucks**
For **compact EVs**, Donut Labs’ innovation could **decrease the number of powertrain parts by up to 75%**, resulting in **lighter vehicles, reduced manufacturing costs, and heightened efficiency**. In the realm of **semi-trucks**, the benefits could be even greater, rendering **electric freight transport more feasible and cost-efficient**.
### **Motorcycles & High-Performance Vehicles**
The initial practical application of Donut Labs’ technology was in the **Verge TS Pro electric motorcycle**, which was developed to exhibit the **capabilities and efficiency of the hub motor system**. The industry’s response has been overwhelmingly favorable, with **major OEMs showing significant interest** in incorporating the technology into their upcoming vehicle designs.
### **Aviation & Heavy-Lift Drones**
Donut Labs’ motors are also particularly well-suited for **heavy-lift drones and eVTOL aircraft**, where **weight and efficiency are crucial considerations**. The company believes its **compact, high-performance motors** could open new avenues in **cargo transport, logistics, and urban air mobility**.
### **Beyond Transportation: Wind Turbines & Appliances**
Interestingly, Donut Labs has also garnered inquiries from **non-automotive sectors**, including **wind energy and consumer appliances**. The prospective deployment of these motors in **wind turbines and washing machines** underscores their **versatility and efficiency**.
## **The Future of Hub Motors & EV Technology**
While Donut Labs’ innovation is still in the early phases of commercialization, the company has already generated **
