Hubdrevet

Hubdrevet is a Danish term used to describe a drivetrain configuration in which propulsion is delivered through a wheel hub rather than through a traditional crankshaft or driveshaft. The concept is closely related to in-wheel drive systems and hub motors, where the motor is integrated into the wheel’s hub and transfers torque directly to the wheel.

In bicycles, hub-driven systems replace the conventional chain and gears with a motor housed in the wheel hub, controlled by an electronic interface and a battery. In automobiles and other vehicles, hub motors have been explored as a form of distributed propulsion, allowing each wheel to be independently driven to improve traction, stability, and efficiency under certain conditions.

Origins of the idea trace back to early experiments with electric wheel locomotion and hub-based propulsion, with modern implementation becoming common in electric bicycles and other light mobility devices. Automotive applications remain less widespread but have appeared in concept vehicles and some niche markets that emphasize compact drive systems and modular propulsion.

Advantages of hub-driven systems include a simplified drivetrain with fewer moving parts, quiet operation, and the possibility of independent wheel control. The absence of a separate transaxle or driveshaft can reduce maintenance and allow compact vehicle architectures.

Disadvantages include increased unsprung weight, which can affect ride comfort and handling, challenges in heat dissipation for the motor, potential efficiency losses at higher power levels, and higher cost or complexity in integration with braking systems and suspension.

Design considerations for hub-driven systems focus on thermal management, especially for high-power or long-use scenarios; integration with braking and drivetrain control; weight distribution and suspension compatibility; and ensuring reliable control algorithms for traction and stability.

See also: hub motor, in-wheel motor, electric vehicle drivetrain.