Elaphe is pushing the boundaries of in-wheel electric motor technology, with a new focus on high-performance applications. The Slovenian company’s latest innovation tackles one of the biggest challenges in this space — fitting powerful motors alongside large brake systems.
At CES 2025, Elaphe revealed its Sonic 1 motor, a slim design that works with high-performance braking systems. The company’s engineering breakthrough allows for 400-millimeter brake rotors to fit inside 21-inch front wheels alongside the motor hardware — a significant achievement for in-wheel motor packaging.
Each Sonic 1 unit delivers 268 hp and an impressive 737 lb-ft of torque, with potential for even higher outputs. However, there’s a trade-off: each motor adds 88 pounds of unsprung weight, which can affect vehicle dynamics and suspension tuning.
The technology is already turning heads in the automotive world.
Italdesign’s Quintessenza GT concept showcases Elaphe’s motors in a unique grand tourer that blends supercar performance with pickup utility. The vehicle sprints from 0-62 mph in 2.5 seconds — dropping to 2.2 seconds with performance tires. Its 150-kwh floor-mounted battery pack claims 466 miles of range, though the testing methodology remains unspecified.
Despite previous setbacks — including planned implementations in the Lordstown Endurance pickup and Lightyear 0 sedan that never reached production — Elaphe continues to gain industry attention. The company formed a partnership with McLaren Applied Technologies in 2023, aiming to develop high-efficiency, responsive electric powertrains.
Traditional automakers are warming up to in-wheel motor technology. Ferrari has filed patents for performance-oriented designs, while Ford has been spotted testing what appears to be in-wheel motor systems on its pickup trucks. The appeal lies in the packaging freedom — moving drive components to the wheels creates more space for passengers and cargo.
Competition in the sector is heating up. At CES 2025, rival company Donut Lab introduced its own compact in-wheel motor lineup, claiming industry-leading power density across applications ranging from passenger cars to drones.
