Ford Tests the Waters with In-Wheel Motor Technology for Potential Electric Super Duty Pickup

Is in-wheel motor technology poised to dominate the electric pickup market?

The concept of in-wheel motors briefly came to life in a commercial electric truck—the Lordstown Endurance. However, this tech, often referred to as wheel-hub motors, has not been officially slated for production in any other American consumer vehicle or privately-owned pickup.

In the future, things might take a different turn. Judging by some newly released images, it seems that Ford is experimenting with a pickup that incorporates electric motors directly within the wheels. This could indicate that they're working on an electric model of their high-performance Super Duty truck line.

Autoblog released spy shots on Thursday displaying a disguised truck that seems to be an altered version of the Ford F-150 Lightning. Although it's not definite, the round object near the wheel spotted in a snapshot could be a hub motor. The absence of noticeable brake calipers on the truck is quite intriguing, especially since Ford has discontinued the use of drum brakes on its larger pickup models, as pointed out by Autoblog.

The vehicle is equipped with eight-lug wheels, a feature common in Ford Super Duty trucks but absent in the standard Lightning or the petrol-powered F-150. Considering Ford's decision to forego in-wheel motors for the Lightning, an electric version of the Super Duty would be a more logical choice for incorporating this technology.

Upcoming 2024 Model of Ford's Heavy-Duty

In a 2021 conversation with Green Car Reports, Darren Palmer, who directs Ford's electric vehicle creation on a global scale, acknowledged that the company evaluated the use of in-wheel motors for the F-150 Lightning. He confirmed ongoing tests but clarified that they ultimately did not choose to implement them due to various factors. One significant concern was the unsprung weight, which posed challenges in refining the vehicle's ride and handling. However, the primary issue appeared to be the sealing system of the hub motors, which raised concerns about vulnerability to dirt and debris during off-road activities.

Lordstown Motors chose to use wheel motors acquired through a licensing deal with the Slovenian company Elaphe for their unsuccessful Endurance vehicle. In comparison to the extensive testing of the Lightning, which covered millions of miles, Lordstown disclosed in 2021 that their electric truck underwent approximately 20,000 miles of testing prior to launch, with the motors themselves having been tested for around 200,000 miles. Before filing for bankruptcy, the company managed to produce just a few units of the Endurance truck.

2024 Model of Ford's Heavy-Duty F-250

In a recent development, Ford has applied for a patent in 2023 on a technology that integrates in-wheel motors with solid axles, which may currently be undergoing trials.

It has been noted that automotive giants such as Ferrari and McLaren, among others, are contemplating the adoption of in-wheel motor systems for their upcoming electric vehicle models designed for high performance. This technology has already demonstrated its potential in various aftermarket modifications, highlighting the advantages in space efficiency. However, it remains uncertain if the technology has sufficiently advanced for Ford, and possibly other companies, to consider it a practical option, or if it will continue to be in the experimental phase for the foreseeable future.

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