There's no denying that you can get a lot of horsepower out of a little package when it comes to electric motors. The power density is just staggering, to say the least. Just look at the Stark Varg with its 80 horsepower output and how little the overall motorcycle weighs.
There are still hurdles to work out, for sure, like range density, charging infrastructure, and more, but the overall horsepower gains from small packages just blows ICE out of the water. And there's no better demonstration of that undeniable fact than Donut Lab's new electric in-hub motor, something that many will recognize from its prior work with Verge Motorcycles.
Just how power-dense is this puppy? How does an 88-pound motor pumping out nearly 1,000 horsepower sound? Woof.
The new Donut Lab motor was dropped at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the company showcased the tech at its booth. The in-hub motor is very similar to that of the Verge motor the company developed, just way more powerful and heavy, though still considerably lightweight compared to internal combustion and other electric motors on the market.
The specs of this little motor truly highlight the power-to-weight disparity, as the little motor weighs only 88 pounds, but puts out a total of 856 horsepower. That's obviously too much for a motorcycle, as well as literally anything outside of an IndyCar. But a downsized version could very well change both the motorcycle, UTV, ATV, snowmobile, and PWC game, as the power-dense motor could give enthusiasts the same level of performance as their current ICE machines. Imagine a Polaris RZR, Can-Am Outlander, or BMW GS with a lighter-weight version but offering 300-ish horsepower?
That sounds like fun to me.
And that's Donut Lab's goal. To make things more streamlined for manufacturers. To build the motor, battery, control unit, and software so that it reduces research and development costs, while providing manufacturers with something that's robust and works right out the gate. According to the brand's site, "Backed by a team of forward-thinking engineers, designers, and industry experts, Donut Lab focuses on developing solutions that redefine simplicity, enhance performance, and minimize maintenance. Through collaboration 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."
As mentioned above, Donut Lab's motor is already in use by Verge Motorcycles, which launched its TS bikes last year. Those bikes come with 200 ish horsepower and a full-fat range of 230 miles, though that'll depend on conditions and the type of riding you're doing. But you can already see the potential in something like the Verge using Donut Lab's motor.
Now I just need an 800-horsepower UTV to satiate my need for speed.
