By ATN
Summary: Elaphe has unveiled its new high-performance in-wheel motor platform, Sonic X, capable of delivering over 300 kW of power per wheel while maintaining a lightweight, compact design. Engineered for integration with 20–23-inch wheels and compatible with high-performance brakes, Sonic X offers significant gains in traction control, torque delivery, and packaging flexibility for hybrid and electric vehicles. OEM samples will be available in early 2026.
Auto Tech View:
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Sonic X enables over 300 kW of power per wheel with advanced slip control and direct-drive architecture, eliminating the need for transmissions.
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Aligns with industry trends toward modular electric powertrains, vehicle architecture simplification, and software-defined performance control.
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Engineers benefit from scalable integration into existing platforms, reduced drivetrain packaging, enhanced dynamic response, and high-performance brake blending and torque vectoring.
Elaphe, a global leader and pioneer of in-wheel motor technology and wheel control, has announced its innovative high-performance in-wheel system product platform, the Sonic X.
Following the world-first high-performance front in-wheel motor Sonic.1 unveiled exactly 6 months ago at CES 2025, the Sonic X represents a new performance product platform for hybrid and electric vehicle architectures, delivering massive performance upgrades for new and existing vehicles. It offers unrivalled direct-drive power density in a lightweight package, advanced control capabilities and direct compatibility with high-performance brakes and existing high-end car architectures.
Sonic X drive technology is designed to add 300+ kW of power per wheel with minimal increase in weight, regardless of the vehicle powertrain base. The Sonic X platform is compatible with standard high-performance brakes, enabling the integration of large brake discs fitting into 20 to 23-inch rims – a feature not yet achieved by anyone – making it ideal for boosting the front or rear wheel torque of high-performance vehicles where space and weight are critical factors.
The integration of the Sonic X in-wheel systems directly into the wheel not only optimizes vehicle space and weight but also contributes to a more controllable wheel. Elaphe direct-drive solutions deliver 20-times faster wheel control than conventional e-drives, which enables a new level of traction control and lateral dynamics, resulting in 15% performance improvement and more driving fun with faster cornering. Sonic X samples will be available to automakers in the first quarter of 2026.
In-wheel systems built on Elaphe’s Sonic X performance product platform consist of direct-drive in-wheel motors (without transmission), power electronics and embedded proprietary high-speed control software, which controls powertrain and vehicle dynamics functions.
- Torque and power dense in-wheel motors scalable across 20 to 23-inch wheel sizes
- Onboard high power SiC inverter in dual or single unit packaging with minimal volume (16 litres)
- Proprietary Elaphe high-speed control software embedded on the inverter, providing electric motor control, wheel slip control and vehicle dynamics functions (brake blending and optional torque vectoring). In case of integration with driven axle in a hybrid vehicle the software also provides mechanical differential control.
Key features of the Elaphe Sonic X – based in-wheel systems:
- Lightweight performance design: Unmatched direct-drive power density with over 8 kW/kg continuous power density and 80 Nm/kg torque density.
- Track-worthy braking function: Integrates large friction brake discs (350 – 420 mm). Utilizes high-power brake blending to ensure high-performance braking function, reduced brake temperatures and shorter stopping distances compared to only friction brake.
- High-speed traction control: Advanced Elaphe Slip Control delivers 15% increase in acceleration and deceleration and 5% faster cornering speeds.
- Easy integration: Fits all existing vehicle architectures (400 or 800 V), from ICE to full BEV as a performance boost or possible to customize for main drive. Compatible with standard performance wheel components and suspension geometries.
- Minimal space onboard: Ideal for high-performance vehicles with limited space, for front or rear wheels. Delivers the power of high-performance dual e-axle with only 10% of the footprint.
- Elaphe Vibroacoustics: Industry-first proprietary functionality which controls the authentic sound and vibration of in-wheel motors. Can be tuned to completely silent and smooth or amplified for enhanced feedback and driving experience.
- Scalable Technology: Supports axle peak power up to 1 MW in rear-wheel-drive with up to 9000 Nm of peak torque per axle. Wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 23-inch wheels.
- Design Freedom: Enables new design opportunities by removing 100 litres of components from onboard the vehicle, from improved aerodynamics to component placement and styling.
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