Donut Lab’s hub motor meets WATT’s battery to create new EV skateboard

At last year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, one of the standout innovations was the introduction of Donut Lab's compact yet robust electric motors. In discussions with the company earlier this year, they revealed ambitions to explore various applications, including drones, automotive solutions, wind turbines, and even household appliances like washing machines. Fast forward almost a year, and we are now witnessing the fruits of a partnership between Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company, showcasing an electric vehicle that harnesses this cutting-edge technology. WATT previously created the Passenger and Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES), a lightweight aluminum platform designed for low-volume electric vehicles. With this new collaboration, they are integrating Donut’s innovative motors, starting with configurations for each rear wheel, while plans for an all-wheel-drive version are also in the pipeline. The design of this compact EV chassis is particularly fascinating. By placing the motors within the rear wheel hubs, the setup offers a more efficient use of space compared to traditional electric vehicles, which require additional room for their drive components. Both Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company envision significant possibilities for this platform, which they believe could inspire a variety of vehicle types, ranging from beach buggies and high-performance sports cars to commercial delivery vans.