Revolutionizing Mobility: The Electric Wheel-Hub Motor of 1900

Almost 125 years ago, Ferdinand Porsche made a groundbreaking contribution to automotive engineering with the development of an electric vehicle powered by a wheel-hub motor. This innovative technology not only garnered attention in its time but also paved the way for future advancements, including its use in lunar rovers.

Key Takeaways

• Ferdinand Porsche introduced the electric wheel-hub motor in 1900.

• The Lohner-Porsche system eliminated the need for intermediate transmissions.

• The first electric vehicle achieved a top speed of 32 km/h.

• Porsche's innovations led to the world's first functional hybrid car.

• The technology resurfaced in NASA's lunar rovers in the 1970s.

The Birth of an Innovation

On April 14, 1900, at the Paris Exposition’s Palace of Electricity, Ferdinand Porsche unveiled a revolutionary electric car based on the Lohner-Porsche system. This vehicle was notable for its innovative drive concept, which integrated electric motors directly into the front wheel hubs, eliminating the need for an intermediate transmission. The Berliner Zeitung hailed this as an epochal innovation.

At just 24 years old, Porsche showcased his engineering prowess by developing this electric vehicle in a mere ten weeks. Each of the two electric motors produced 2.5 PS, allowing the Lohner-Porsche to reach a top speed of 32 km/h. The vehicle also featured a groundbreaking braking system that enabled simultaneous braking at all four wheels, a significant advancement for its time.

Modular System Development

Porsche's wheel-hub motor was not just a standalone innovation; it was part of a modular system that included three motor sizes and performance levels of up to 12 PS per wheel. This system was designed for various applications, including passenger cars, buses, and heavy trucks. The lead battery provided a range of approximately 50 kilometers, making it a practical option for early electric vehicles.

In 1900, Porsche also completed an electric race car named "La Toujours Contente," which featured four wheel-hub motors, each delivering 14 PS. This vehicle was the world’s first all-wheel-drive car, further solidifying Porsche's reputation as a pioneer in automotive technology.

The First Functional Hybrid Car

Building on the success of the wheel-hub motor, Porsche developed the world’s first functional hybrid car, the Lohner-Porsche Semper Vivus. This innovative vehicle combined a gas-powered engine with an electric generator, addressing the limitations of battery technology and the lack of charging infrastructure at the time. The Semper Vivus and its optimized version, the Mixte, provided a practical solution for electric mobility.

Approximately 300 vehicles based on the Lohner-Porsche system were produced, with some serving as taxis and others used by fire stations and private individuals. However, the wheel-hub motor concept eventually fell out of favor for mass production, as other technologies proved more suitable.

A Legacy That Endured

Despite its initial decline, the wheel-hub motor technology made a remarkable comeback in the early 1970s. NASA utilized electric wheel-hub motors in the lunar rovers for Apollo missions 15, 16, and 17, showcasing the lasting impact of Porsche's pioneering work. Ludwig Lohner, Porsche's former boss, had predicted his success, stating that Porsche was destined for a significant career in automotive engineering.

Ferdinand Porsche's innovations in electric mobility not only changed the course of automotive history but also laid the groundwork for future advancements in electric vehicle technology. Today, as the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, the legacy of the wheel-hub motor continues to inspire new generations of engineers and innovators.