The automotive industry seems set for a revolution with donut-shaped engines at its doorsteps. These motors are said to revolutionize EVs by extending their capabilities in terms of weight, power, and cost of operation. Here is how this revolutionary technology could change transport.
Donut-shaped engines: Here is why they can shake the EV market.
Donut-shaped engines or electric motors built by Donut Lab are small motors that can be directly fitted on the wheels. Contrary to typical engines, which must be installed in the mid-body, these motors can be placed in the wheel and contribute to weight loss. This new design enhances the structure’s efficiency and creates expansive, flexible interior spaces.
Donut Lab displayed its second-generation motor at CES 2025. It delivers 630 kW (845 hp) and 4,300 Nm of torque. At 40 kg, it is lightweight and does not have bulky features such as axle shafts and transmission systems, reducing the costs of electric vehicles.
I’m pretty sure the benefits of donut-shaped engines will impress you.
1. There was an increase in the efficiency of the battery system and the battery range.
An advantage highlighted with the donut-shaped engines is the engine’s capacity to reduce the vehicle’s weight. This weight reduction is crucial in EVs because it expands battery range with lighter bodywork. It meant owners could achieve fewer charging stops, making EVs even more viable for interstate use.
However, the complete omission of drivetrain components allows for new design opportunities. More seating configurations, better-carrying utilities, and new internal designs are now possible. Some of these changes could help to revolutionize how tV designs are perceived in the first place.
2. More affordable manufacturing
According to Donut Lab, these motors cost 50 % less than traditional EV motors. Cutting the number of parts used and simplifying the manufacturing process reduces expenses exponentially. Such reduced costs could attract more clients to sustainable vehicles, thus boosting the trend towards more sustainable auto transport.
The same can be said about operations and sustainable efficiency. Maintenance also decreases Long-Term Repair Costs. Affordable prices and low maintenance costs could further encourage more people to use EVs, creating more electrical transportation barriers.
Market shifts and why unsprung mass may be the X-factor to your EV’s ride comfort
Thus, donut-shaped engines introduce numerous advantages, but several issues should be addressed. One of the issues of power raises is more unsprung weight – adding weight to wheels that can adversely affect braking, cornering, and comfort. Engineering will require enhancing methods to reduce the impact of performance compromise.
However, there are several limitations in manufacturing for testing, and in general, testing demonstrates good possibilities; Donut Lab will continue to develop the designs. With newer developments, such engines hold much promise at revolutionizing amplified electric transport.
It seems these engines could change cars, trucks, and even drones.
Donut-shaped engines could change the automotive market as a whole. The future of the cheapest, most efficient, and most economical EVs might leapfrog the existing combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells quicker than expected. It has the potential to reduce emissions and reign in dependency on fossil fuels should the uptake be realized.
Apart from cars for passengers, these motors are used in different ways. They can power motorcycles, delivery vehicles, and drones, proving versatility in many sectors. They have low costs and are also easily scalable, a sign that donut-shaped engines are likely to be the norm in the future of transport.
The future of transportation: Why donut-shaped engines are a big deal
Donut-shaped power plants can be considered a turning point for developing the development of electric vehicles. They facilitate weight loss, increase efficiency, and shave manufacturing costs, dramatically transforming the automotive industry. Yes, there are issues such as unsprung mass, but solutions for them are already in the making, indicating that the future outlook seems very promising.
While conventional power plants and hydrocarbon fuel cells fail, donut-shaped motors create a new generation of cheap and efficient vehicles. They signify a new generation of environmentally efficient and high-performance transport—a generation people can anticipate.
