There’s no doubt that electric motors can offer enormous power from a compact package. The power density is truly impressive. Just look at the Stark Varg, which delivers 80 horsepower with an incredibly low total bike weight.
There are still obstacles to overcome, such as range density, charging infrastructure and other challenges, but the power gains from small electric units easily outstrip internal combustion engines. Clear proof of this is the new hub-integrated electric motor from Donut Lab, renowned for its previous work with Verge Motorcycles.
How power-dense is this motor? Imagine a motor weighing just 40 kilos and generating almost 1,000 horsepower. Impressive, isn’t it?
Donut Lab’s new engine was presented at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the company showed off its technology. This hub motor is similar to the one developed for Verge, but much more powerful and yet lighter compared to the internal combustion engines and other electric motors available on the market.
The specifications of this small engine highlight the disparity between power and weight: at just 40 kilos, it generates 856 horsepower. Obviously, this is too much power for a conventional motorcycle, but a scaled-down version could revolutionize the market for motorcycles, UTVs, ATVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft (PWC). Imagine a Polaris RZR, a Can-Am Outlander, or a BMW GS with a lighter version of this engine, offering around 300 horsepower? It would be a revolution.
This is precisely Donut Lab’s aim: to simplify the process for manufacturers. The idea is to build the motor, battery, control unit and software, reducing research and development costs and offering manufacturers a robust, ready-to-use solution. According to the company’s website, “Backed by a team of engineers, designers and industry experts with an innovative vision, Donut Lab focuses on developing solutions that redefine simplicity, increase performance and minimize maintenance. Through collaborations with leading partners, we are creating a cohesive ecosystem that transforms electric mobility, offering versatile solutions for industries ranging from automotive to aviation and robotics.”
Donut Lab’s motor is already in use in Verge motorcycles, which launched the TS models last year. These motorcycles have around 200 horsepower and a range of up to 370 kilometers, depending on the conditions and type of riding. But the potential of the Donut Lab engine, as seen in the Verge bikes, is evident.
