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Axial Flux Technology in Custom-Made In-Wheel Motors: The Ultimate Design Guide

Discover how axial flux technology enables high-performance custom in-wheel motors.

Product
Development
Beyond Motors
February 4, 2026

Discover how axial flux technology enables high-performance custom in-wheel motors.

Axial Flux Technology in Custom-Made In-Wheel Motors: The Ultimate Design Guide

The evolution of electric vehicle (EV) architecture is moving away from centralized drive units toward a more distributed, efficient, and dynamic configuration: In-Wheel Motor (IWM) systems. For CTOs and lead engineers, the goal is to eliminate traditional drivetrain components like gearboxes, differentials, and drive shafts to maximize interior space and transmission efficiency.

However, the "In-Wheel" dream has historically faced two major engineering hurdles: unsprung mass and thermal management in confined spaces. At Beyond Motors, we have solved these challenges by leveraging the unique physics of axial flux architecture. Our AXM series isn't just a motor; it is the ideal building block for custom-made in-wheel solutions.

1. Overcoming the Unsprung Mass Challenge

Placing a motor inside a wheel increases the unsprung mass—the weight not supported by the vehicle's suspension. Excessive unsprung mass can degrade handling, increase tire wear, and affect ride comfort.

The Axial Flux Solution:

Traditional radial flux motors are too heavy for effective in-wheel integration. In contrast, the Beyond Motors AXM series offers a world-class power-to-weight ratio. By achieving a power density of up to 10 kW/kg, our motors provide the necessary propulsion while keeping the weight increase at the wheel hub to a minimum.

  • Example: Our AXM2 delivers 130 kW of peak power at only 14.5 kg. Moving this power directly to the wheel allows for the deletion of heavy mechanical axles, often resulting in a net-neutral or even reduced total vehicle weight.

2. Maximizing Torque Density in Limited Rim Space

Packaging a motor within the inner diameter of a standard rim requires a slim, high-torque architecture. In a radial motor, torque is proportional to the square of the diameter ($T \propto D^2$). In an axial flux motor, torque is proportional to the cube of the diameter ($T \propto D^3$).

Because torque in an axial flux motor increases so dramatically with diameter, we can generate massive force within the flat, "pancake" form factor of a wheel hub.

  • Direct Drive Capability: The high torque density of our motors (up to 950 Nm in the AXM4) eliminates the need for reduction gears.
  • Precision Control: Custom in-wheel motors allow for independent torque vectoring at each corner, enabling 360-degree rotation (tank turns) and unmatched stability on slippery surfaces.

3. High Heat Extraction in Confined Environments

In-wheel motors operate in a "thermal oven," surrounded by brake heat and often enclosed by aero-optimized wheels. Air cooling is rarely sufficient for sustained high-performance duty cycles.

We address this with our patent-pending water cooling system. By pulling heat directly from the stator windings, our motors maintain exceptional thermal stability. This allows your custom-made in-wheel system to deliver high continuous power without the "derating" issues common in lower-spec hub motors. This reliability is why our technology is becoming the standard for high-performance electric vehicles.

4. Custom Integration and Prototyping

Every in-wheel project is unique. Whether you are designing for a low-floor urban bus, a heavy-duty industrial robot, or a high-performance racing EV, the interface between the motor, the brake, and the suspension is critical.

At Beyond Motors, we don't just provide a motor; we provide a fully parametric model build-up. We can customize:

  • Shaft Interfaces: To match your specific hub and wheel bearing assembly.
  • Winding Voltage: Optimized for your 400V or 800V architecture.
  • Redundancy: Adding our Double Winding (2xUVW) option for mission-critical safety in autonomous or aerospace applications.

The Engineering Verdict: Why Settle for Radial?

The physics of in-wheel propulsion favor the disc, not the cylinder. By utilizing the axial flux architecture, you gain the space, weight, and torque advantages needed to make distributed drive a production reality.

If your project requires custom specs, sizing, or specific project requirements, our technical team can provide the simulation data and CAD files needed to accelerate your development.

Design your custom in-wheel solution with the Beyond Motors Configurator

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