Soon, we will be saying goodbye to engines under the hood since the electric vehicle revolution is moving at a rapid pace, and the transformation of the location of the motor itself is underway. Thanks to a collaboration between BMW and the German startup DeepDrive, powertrains will be completely phased out. Instead, BMW and DeepDrive are focusing on in-wheel motor technology that will mean the complete departure from engines under the hood.
BMW is placing all focus on in-wheel motor technology
BMW, along with DeepDrive, is making quite a bold move towards next-generation EV design philosophy. What seemed like something completely science fiction is now becoming a reality. When it comes to in-wheel motor technology, each wheel is individually powered. In-wheel motor technology, which is also called wheel hub motor, takes the focus away from a central drivetrain.
The decision to move towards in-wheel motor technology is strategic. Reliance on in-wheel motor technology means better weight distribution, greater energy efficiency, and the possibility of more flexibly designed cars. While the focus falls on BMW with the mere mention of in-wheel motor technology, it is actually the Munich-based DeepDrive that has created the dual-rotor, radial-flux electric motor.
At IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, DeepDrive’s co-founder was adamant that DeepDrive’s motors were 20% more efficient in comparison to the existing EV drive systems.
DeepDrive set to reinvent electric mobility for good
DeepDrive is not just proposing an innovation, but a complete disruption to electric mobility as we know it. DiveDrive’s dual-rotor design is able to drive two rotors simultaneously and ensures that there is a high-torque rotor at each wheel. While reducing the reliance on rare earth materials, the structure of the dual-rotor design improves overall performance.
All of the vehicles that will be equipped with DeepDrive’s in-wheel motor will be able to achieve over 500 miles on a single charge, as per the results from internal testing. So DeepDrive is not only changing the idea of having engines under the hood, but ensuring long-range potential for EVs of the future.
Some of the core features to be included in DeepDrive’s in-wheel motors are:
- Up to 80 kW peak power
- 1,250 Nm of peak torque
- Compatibility with 480V battery systems
- Integrated drum brake for electromechanical braking
DeepDrive is also collaborating with Continental to integrate a braking system directly into the motor housing. The whole idea behind DeepDrive’s approach of in-wheel motors is to ensure simplicity when it comes to power delivery.
BMW’s commitment to ensuring the prototype is taken to production
It was back in 2024 that BMW started testing DeepDrive’s prototypes; however, now BMW is hard at work alongside DeepDrive to ensure production is tailored accordingly. BMW is certain that in-wheel motors are the future of mobility, and the automaker is considering in-wheel motors for many upcoming electric platforms.
DeepDrive’s in-wheel system is also being considered for range-extender EVs, and this could entirely redefine the game in terms of EV markets with weak charging infrastructure. BMW is creating waves in the mobility industry,and it is not the first time that BMW has shocked the industry. BMW has also shocked motor enthusiasts by bringing back old-school combustion with a brand-new twist. Now, BMW along with DeepDrive, is set to shock motor enthusiasts yet again.
The future of EVs thanks to BMW and DeepDrive
In-wheel motors can surely boost range and efficiency when it comes to EVs and BMW, along with DeepDrive, have come to realize that it is possible to move the power to the wheels themselves. Automakers, like BMW, are looking at futuristic solutions to reduce design complexities while improving range and performance in an already competitive EV market. BMW is one automaker that knows when to put the brakes on most-awaited prototypes and when to go in full force, taking a prototype to the production stages.
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