It’s 50% cheaper and delivers 845 hp: this “donut” is set to make electric mobility accessible to everyone and power the future of the automobile

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A groundbreaking announcement has come directly from CES 2025 in Las Vegas, one that could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.

American company Donut Lab has unveiled a donut-shaped electric motor and a revolutionary technology platform that promises to simplify and accelerate automotive development. Let’s take a closer look at what this innovation could bring to the cars of tomorrow.

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A donut-shaped motor with impressive performance

The donut-shaped electric motor revealed by Donut Lab pushes the boundaries of traditional engineering. Integrated directly into the wheels, this motor weighs only 88 lbs—three times less than a conventional motor—while delivering an impressive 845 horsepower and 4,300 Nm of torque. This configuration could enable automakers to design lighter, more energy-efficient vehicles. However, placing the motor inside the wheels adds weight to the unsprung mass, potentially affecting the vehicle’s dynamic behavior. Donut Lab argues that the benefits, such as improved handling due to specially adapted suspension systems, outweigh this drawback. Additionally, the motor contains 120 fewer parts than a conventional motor, making it 50% cheaper to produce—a significant advantage for reducing the cost of electric vehicles.

Donut Lab unveils 5 next-generation engines for 5 application domains - © Donut Lab
Donut Lab unveils 5 next-generation engines for 5 application domains – © Donut Lab

A game-changing technology platform

Alongside its innovative motor, Donut Lab introduced its modular technology platform called the Donut Platform. This system integrates components like an electric motor, a battery, and an onboard computer. It’s designed to operate without manual intervention, making the electric vehicle development process faster and more seamless. The platform also features a groundbreaking software layer powered by artificial intelligence. Donut Lab claims this technology can accelerate automotive software development tenfold. It also includes a no-code environment that allows designers to create vehicle logic using graphical interfaces, reducing errors and enhancing system safety. A strategic partnership with Qt, a company specializing in human-machine interface (HMI) development, complements this innovation. Through Qt Accelerate, the platform can automatically generate customized interfaces for each vehicle without manual coding. This system could transform how drivers interact with their cars.

What does this mean for the automotive industry?

The innovations presented by Donut Lab have the potential to disrupt the automotive industry. By making motors more affordable and speeding up vehicle development, the company could democratize electric vehicles and make production more accessible for emerging automakers. The space saved by these compact motors could be used to integrate larger batteries, improving EV range. Automakers could also design more aerodynamic models, further optimizing energy efficiency. Prototypes are already being evaluated by industry giants like Hyundai, which is even exploring the integration of suspension elements into the wheels. If these technologies deliver on their promises, they could quickly find their way into the market.

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This article explores Donut Lab’s innovations, from its donut-shaped electric motor to its revolutionary technology platform. By reducing costs, optimizing development, and opening up new design possibilities, these advancements could redefine the future of electric vehicles.

Source & images: Donut Lab

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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