At the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), electric motor company Donut Lab introduced its second-generation hubless electric motor.
This donut-shaped unit has the potential to replace the heavy and bulky electric vehicle (EV) motors currently used, while offering a lot more torque and power.
What is the Donut Motor?
The Donut Motor is a 21-inch circular in-wheel drive motor with a hole in the middle that is integrated directly into the wheel rim. Unlike conventional EV motors that are located within the vehicle’s body and connected to the wheels via a drivetrain, the Donut sits inside the wheel itself.
Traditional EV motors rely on components like half-shafts, CV joints, axles and gearboxes to transfer power, adding weight and complexity. The Donut’s in-wheel design removes the need for these parts, making it lightweight and capable of delivering up to 845 HP, and 3,171 pound-feet of torque per wheel.
Donut Motor Benefits
At just 88 pounds per motor, the Donut Motor is about one-third the weight of a typical EV motor. The weight and space saved with this new design could be reallocated for passengers, cargo, or extra batteries.
The cost savings are another perk; Donut’s design requires 50% fewer parts and is cheaper to manufacture, potentially making EVs more affordable in the future.
Concerns
There are some concerns over the Donut’s placement, with some in the industry noting that it adds "unsprung mass” (weight below the suspension), which could affect ride comfort and handling.
In addition, the extra weight per wheel could impact braking and overall performance. Despite these issues, Donut Lab believes its motors could change the way EVs are designed and built by offering improved performance and efficiency.
Donut Lab’s Other Projects
As well as its motors for passenger vehicles, Donut Labs already has a 17-inch motorcycle motor with 150 kW that’s currently in use, with other small versions for scooters and drones in the works.
At CES 2025, the company also showed a semi-truck model designed for efficiency, with lower RPMs (200 kW) and 2,212 pound-feet of torque per wheel.
Image Credit: Donut Lab
