The Forgotten Legacy of Porsche Electric Innovations In wheel EV Motors
Porsche is synonymous with high-performance internal-combustion sports cars, but its story with electric vehicles (EVs) dates back to the dawn of the 20th century. While the modern automotive world embraces electrification, few know that Ferdinand Porsche, the man behind the brand, experimented with electric motors over a century ago.
Let’s dive into the fascinating history of Porsche’s early electric vehicles and the groundbreaking innovations that set the stage for today’s EV revolution.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Lohner-Porsche
Before internal combustion engines became the norm, EVs were gaining popularity. On April 4, 1900, at the Paris World’s Fair, a revolutionary electric vehicle co-developed by a 24-year-old Ferdinand Porsche made its debut. Known as the Lohner-Porsche, this car was a marvel of engineering for its time.
Porsche designed innovative in-wheel hub motors that integrated directly with the front wheels. These motors, developed in just 10 weeks, each produced 2.4 horsepower, enabling the vehicle to reach a top speed of 19.8 mph—a significant achievement at the time. Another standout feature was the inclusion of four-wheel braking, a rarity that showcased Porsche’s forward-thinking approach to safety and control.
Pioneering Electric and Hybrid Technology
Ferdinand Porsche’s partnership with Austrian company Jason Lohner & Co. led to further advancements in electric motor technology. Together, they developed hub motors in three sizes, with outputs reaching up to 11.8 horsepower. These motors weren’t limited to passenger cars—they also powered trucks and buses, demonstrating their versatility.
The Lohner-Porsche’s motors relied on lead-acid batteries, which provided a range of up to 31 miles. Though modest by today’s standards, this was impressive for the era. Porsche even designed an electric race car, La Toujours Contente (French for “the one who’s always happy”), which featured an all-wheel-drive system with one 13.8-horsepower motor at each wheel.
However, Porsche’s most enduring contribution came through his work on hybrids. The Lohner-Porsche Semper Vivus (Latin for “always alive”) was a groundbreaking vehicle that combined front hub motors with a gasoline engine. This innovative hybrid layout wasn’t just an experiment—it became a commercial success. Approximately 300 hybrid vehicles were produced, including 40 for Vienna’s fire department and various taxis and passenger cars.
The In-Wheel Motor: Ahead of Its Time
In-wheel hub motors, first conceptualized by Porsche, have resurfaced in modern automotive engineering. While the technology has seen limited adoption, its potential remains significant.
In 2023, Chinese automaker Dongfeng claimed to be the first to incorporate in-wheel motors in a fully homologated passenger car. Other automakers, including Lightyear and Lordstown, planned to use this technology, though their projects faced production challenges.
Even today, companies like Aptera are exploring hub motors for super-efficient vehicles, while major automakers like Ferrari, Hyundai, and Toyota have filed patents for similar innovations. Porsche’s early experiments with in-wheel motors continue to inspire modern EV designs.
The Legacy of Ferdinand Porsche
Ferdinand Porsche’s early electric and hybrid vehicles were ahead of their time. The Lohner-Porsche and Semper Vivus were not just technological marvels but also practical solutions that showcased the potential of electrification. While internal combustion engines dominated the automotive landscape for much of the 20th century, Porsche’s electric legacy laid the groundwork for today’s EV resurgence.
As the automotive industry embraces electrification, Ferdinand Porsche’s innovations remind us of how far we’ve come—and how much potential still lies ahead. The in-wheel hub motor, an idea born over a century ago, could play a vital role in shaping the next generation of EVs.
From the Lohner-Porsche to today’s cutting-edge EVs, Porsche’s story highlights the enduring power of innovation. Whether you’re a fan of sports cars or an advocate for sustainable transportation, this legacy underscores one undeniable truth: the future of mobility has always been electric.
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