Active Wheel was a Michelin-developed tire which incorporates an electric motor and suspension It was presented at Challenge Bibendum 2004's edition on the Hy-Light concept car and showcased during Paris Motor Show "Mondial de l'automobile"in 2008 both on the Venturi Volage electric sports car and on the Heuliez Will. The project was interrupted in 2014.
Like other in-wheel motors, the ActiveWheel design provides direct power delivery of approximately 30 kW (40 hp), as well as regenerative braking. In addition, it replaces a mechanical suspension with an active suspension driven by an in-wheel electrical suspension motor that controls torque distribution, traction, turning maneuvers, pitch, roll and suspension damping for that wheel. However, the effects of shocks, water and snow to such an "in-wheel" design have not been precisely studied.
Siemens VDO, developing a similar concept called eCorner, was purchased by Continental in 2007.
References
- "MICHELIN ACTIVE WHEEL Press Kit" (PDF). Michelin. October 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- Loftus, Jack (2008-11-30). "Michelin Develops Revolutionary Active Wheel for Electric Cars - Cars". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
- Michelin abandonne le développement des roues motorisées - actu-automobile.com
- Dogget, Scott (1 December 2008). "Michelin to Commercialize Active Wheel; Technology to Appear in 2010 Cars". Green Car Advisor. Edmunds.com. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
- eCorner a similar concept being developed by Siemens Archived July 25, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- a Siemens eCorner video
External links
- Active Wheel technology in detail
- Active Wheel technology video
- Heuliez WIL with Michelin Active Wheel video