Drive technology
In-wheel drive for autonomous car 'Orbit'
The electric and autonomous shuttle 'Orbit' from car manufacturer Fisker Automotive will be equipped with the in-wheel eDrive technology 'ProteanDrive'. The drive technology can be easily integrated into the vehicle and allows for more space in the vehicle interior.
Side view of the autonomous shuttle from Fisker called 'Orbit'.
© Fisker
With the autonomous vehicle 'Orbit', Fisker wants to improve the passenger experience in urban environments - including urban ecosystems. As an example scenario, passengers will no longer have to wait at a bus stop as the 'Orbit' shuttles are connected and display their locations on a mobile application along predetermined routes.
The interior of the shuttle offers different mood zones, depending on the passenger's preference, and enables digital experiences to make journeys more comfortable. The exterior reflects Henrik Fisker's futuristic design vision for intelligent mobility.
New vehicle design with in-wheel drive
The engineers opted for a 'ProteanDrive' drive system from Protean Elelctric. The in-wheel eDrive system requires little installation space and can be easily integrated into the vehicle. The vehicle has neither a steering wheel nor pedals, so passengers are transported without conventional drivetrain components.
Henrik Fisker, Chairman and CEO of Fisker, is convinced that in-wheel drive technology will accelerate the path to autonomous shuttles - the future of mobility. Kwok-yin Chan, Managing Director of Protean Electric, adds that the eDrive product brings space advantages and therefore enables a new vehicle design, performance benefits and cost savings.
The car manufacturer will begin testing prototypes before the end of 2018 - the shuttle is expected to be used on a specified route in 2019. 'Orbit' will be available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive.
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