New Ring Drive adds AWD to Latest Honda Civic Type R

Posted to Youtube a video on a california start up that believes it can build a better mousetrap. What mousetrap would that be?

In wheel electric motors. According to the company's web, the average traditional hub motor is approximately 68lbs. The Orbis Ring Drive is 35lbs for a 70hp motor. The company does not state the torque but will give you full details if you sign an NDA. So adding AWD and 140 HP to the Type R basic 306HP FWD car brings you to a blistering 446hp AWD Type R Hybrid.

Founder and CEO Marcus Hays with Co-inventor Scott Streeter are the brains behind this Ring Drive motor. Hays was the principle lead for development at EV Global Motors by Lee Iacocca. He left the company and started up his own 5 years ago developing the Ring Drive technology that he believes will also offer gains to be used by Motorcycles, powered bicycles, ATVs and military off road applications.

ORBIS DRIVEN Web Site

“The company’s brochure explains “the technology divides a wheel or cog into two essential parts, a stationary hub and a rim or ‘ring.’ The ring rotates about the stationary hub, driven by a lightweight, high-speed motor.”

Hays says the ring drive is more efficient while reducing vehicle weight as much as 40% and driveline complexity by 75% compared to powertrains in which the electric motors (in-hub or in the driveline) power an axle.”

Wards Auto Story

InsideEVs Story

Oh that doesn't seem too complex... 

11 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Oh that doesn't seem too complex... 

Nope some smart engineering here that can make for some fun rides be it 4WD or 2WD. Bike seems cool.