Elaphe has announced that it is testing its in-wheel motor technology in a BMW X6. The company is hoping to commercialize the technology for use in electric vehicles.

Elaphe’s in-wheel motor technology consists of an electric motor and a reduction gearbox mounted within the wheel. The company claims that the technology offers a number of advantages over conventional electric vehicle drivetrains, including:

  • Reduced weight and improved weight distribution
  • Reduced mechanical complexity
  • Increased efficiency
  • Reduced drivetrain losses

The company is currently conducting tests on a BMW X6 xDrive40e, and is planning to run further tests on other vehicles in the near future.

If the tests are successful, Elaphe hopes to commercialize the technology for use in a variety of electric vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and even aircraft.

The company is not the only one working on in-wheel motor technology. Michelin has also been developing in-wheel motors for electric vehicles, and has even demonstrated the technology on a prototype vehicle.