Active Wheel
Active Wheel was a Michelin-developed tire which incorporates an electric motor and suspension[1] It was presented at Challenge Bibendum 2004's edition on the Hy-Light concept car and showcased during Paris Motor Show "Mondial de l'automobile"in 2008 both on the Venturi Volage electric sports car and on the Heuliez Will.[2] The project was interrupted in 2014.[3]
Like other in-wheel motors, the ActiveWheel design provides direct power delivery of approximately 30 kW (40 hp), as well as regenerative braking.[citation needed] In addition, it replaces a mechanical suspension with an active suspension driven by an in-wheel electrical suspension motor that controls torque distribution, traction, turning maneuvers, pitch, roll and suspension damping for that wheel.[4] However, the effects of shocks, water and snow to such an "in-wheel" design have not been precisely studied.[citation needed]
Siemens VDO, developing a similar concept called eCorner,[5][6] was purchased by Continental in 2007.
References
- ^ "MICHELIN ACTIVE WHEEL Press Kit" (PDF). Michelin. October 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ^ Loftus, Jack (2008-11-30). "Michelin Develops Revolutionary Active Wheel for Electric Cars - Cars". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
- ^ Michelin abandonne le développement des roues motorisées - actu-automobile.com
- ^ Dogget, Scott (1 December 2008). "Michelin to Commercialize Active Wheel; Technology to Appear in 2010 Cars". Green Car Advisor. Edmunds.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- ^ eCorner a similar concept being developed by Siemens Archived July 25, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a Siemens eCorner video