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Axial Flux vs In-Wheel Motors: Which Is Better for EV?
Swapnil r. sonawane
June 07, 2025
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⚡ Introduction: The Rise of Axial Flux and In-Wheel Motors
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice in India as people seek more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional vehicles. With government support and growing awareness about environmental concerns, EV adoption is on the rise. However, as the number of EVs on the road increases, several service-related challenges are making it difficult for owners to fully enjoy the benefits of their electric cars. Issues like limited service centers, charging problems, and high maintenance costs are becoming major roadblocks to EV adoption. In this blog, we will explore these challenges and offer practical solutions to improve the EV service experience for Indian consumers.
🧾 Quick Summary: Axial Flux & In-Wheel Motors in EV Innovation
Axial flux motors and in-wheel motors are redefining the electric vehicle landscape with their high power density, lightweight construction, and efficiency-driven designs. Axial flux motors offer superior torque-to-weight ratios and thermal performance, making them ideal for performance EVs and aerospace. In-wheel motors eliminate the need for traditional drivetrains, enabling independent wheel control, better packaging, and next-gen EV architecture. As electric mobility demands smarter, lighter, and more compact solutions, these advanced motor technologies are poised to drive the future of electric drivetrain efficiency, urban mobility, and vehicle electrification at scale.
🚗 What Are Axial Flux Motors?
An axial flux motor—sometimes called a pancake motor—differs from traditional radial flux motors in how the magnetic field interacts with the rotor. Instead of magnetic flux flowing radially, it flows axially (parallel to the shaft), enabling a more compact and lightweight design.
📘What is it?
Think of a traditional electric motor like a can of soda: long and round. That’s called a radial flux motor—the kind used in many EVs today. Now imagine a pancake—flat and wide. That’s what an axial flux motor looks like.But don’t let its shape fool you—it’s actually stronger, lighter, and more efficient.
🧠 Real-life example:
Imagine carrying a backpack full of books. It’s heavy, and walking around all day with it is exhausting.
Now imagine carrying a tablet with digital books instead. Same knowledge, way less weight.
That’s the idea behind axial flux motors: more power with less weight.
⚙️ In-Wheel Motor Technology
In-wheel motors, also known as hub motors, place the motor directly inside the wheel hub, eliminating the need for traditional drivetrain components like transmissions, axles, and differentials.
🔍 What is it?
The electric motor is placed directly inside the wheel. No need for gearboxes, axles, or even a central motor. Normally, a car has a motor in the middle. It sends power to the wheels through a driveshaft and other parts.
With an in-wheel motor, the power is right inside each wheel. No middleman.
🧠 Real-life example:
Think about a ceiling fan with a motor in the middle, spinning the blades using long arms.
Now imagine putting a tiny motor directly on each blade. It would spin faster, respond quicker, and use less effort. That’s what in-wheel motors do—they make each wheel independent and smarter.
🔮 Will Axial Flux and In-Wheel Motors Sustain in the Future?
1. Axial Flux Motors: Built for the Long Run
Axial flux motors are expected to become increasingly common in the coming years. Their high efficiency, compact size, and strong torque output make them ideal for electric cars, motorcycles, drones, and even aircraft. As more manufacturers invest in scaling production and reducing costs, axial flux motors are likely to move from high-end use cases into mainstream EV platforms.
Challenges: Manufacturing axial flux motors is complex and costlier today, but as production scales and techniques improve, costs are expected to drop.
2. In-Wheel Motors: Use-Case Specific but Promising
In-wheel motors also have a future, especially in urban and low-speed applications. They simplify the drivetrain, allow for precise torque control at each wheel, and create more interior space. While challenges like durability and added unsprung weight still exist, improvements in materials and smart suspension systems are helping overcome them.
Challenges:
Durability: Motors in wheels are exposed to heat, water, dust, and road impact
Unsprung mass: More weight on the wheels affects suspension performance
But companies like Protean, Elaphe, and REE are solving these with smart suspension designs and protective housings.
🚀Conclusion: Powering the Future with Smarter, Lighter, and More Efficient Motors
As the EV industry pushes the limits of performance, range, and design, axial flux and in-wheel motors stand out as transformative solutions. These advanced motor technologies not only offer superior power-to-weight ratios and energy efficiency, but also unlock new levels of vehicle integration, control, and packaging flexibility. While axial flux motors pave the way for high-performance and space-efficient propulsion, in-wheel motors are driving innovations in urban mobility and autonomous vehicle design. Together, they signal a shift toward a more modular, efficient, and sustainable electric future. As automakers, engineers, and innovators invest in next-generation powertrains, these technologies will be at the heart of tomorrow’s electric transportation systems.
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