2013 Cadillac XTS

Michelin's Active Wheel technology nears production

 
3 4,168 views Mar 6, 2009

venturi volage live paris 009

Independent French vehicle manufacturer Heuliez plans to start building the Will hatchback from 2010

Independent French vehicle manufacturer Heuliez plans to start building the Will hatchback from 2010

Enlarge Photo
Michelin's Active Wheel technology has been 12 years in the making, and now there is finally a commercial application of the astonishing technology in a small city car named the 'Will'. The new car will be able to seat five passengers, and its electric drivetrain will offer a range of around 150km from its lithium-ion battery pack.

The Active Wheel integrates an electric motor, brakes and suspension functions inside the wheel itself. The car is now under testing in France and is being developed by contract manufacturer Heuliez.

The French company is best known for producing versions of Citroen and Peugeot cars – such as estate derivatives – where volumes are too low to justify full-scale production. Heuliez’s assembly plant in Cerizay, France, has the capacity to produce the Will and the company plans to build “several thousand” of them a year from 2010. It will feature two Active Wheels driving the front wheels, and two regular wheels at the back.

Active Wheel technology has been intensely anticipated due to the massive advantages it offers over traditional engines, as well as its ability to completely change the way cars look and operate. Since there is no need for a gearbox, clutch, transmission shaft, differential or shock absorbers, the technology also offers the possibility of a totally flat floor, maximizing interior space and under-car aerodynamics.

For an in-depth write-up about Michelin's new Active Wheel technology, follow this link. Heuliez isn’t the only carmaker pursuing the technology. At last year’s Paris Motor Show, French electric vehicle firm Venturi showed off a sports concept car fitted with four Active Wheels.
2008 Venturi Volage Concept at Paris Motor Show

HI-RES GALLERY: venturi volage live paris 009




Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (3)

  1. ma_Laz avatar Laz Posted: 3/6/2009 5:40am PST

    If they can make this technology work, EV's will take off!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 3/8/2009 9:29am PDT

    only problem is the high moving mass.. unless the suspension works on just the wheel and not on the whole assembly.

    I wonder how many kWh the battery is rated for to give you 150km in range. thats twice what the volt gets.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By  wheel motor Posted: 11/25/2009 1:40pm PST

    this one is really interesting. wonder what will else they could do if the technology works
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.