Military scout vehicles and commercial sports utility vehicles share the common need for advanced suspension/drive systems that offer robustness over widely varying terrain. The ultimate system for handling, ride isolation, and stability control would incorporate high efficiency electric motors independently driving the four wheels, with one on-board high-level computer for controlling the active suspension and wheel traction. New Generation Motors Corporation (NGM) has developed a commercial, compact axial flux, permanent magnet wheel-motor which has been extensively tested in both drive and regenerative modes. This motor is capable of delivering a wide torque/speed envelope without the use of gearing or variable gear transmission, and still maintaining over 94% system efficiency. Furthermore, with this system efficiency, thermal losses are minimal and have demonstrated no requirement for special cooling. NGM is currently developing a dual stator version of this motor for the S-10 pick up class of vehicles. The proposed effort is to integrate the NGM wheel motor with a hydraulic suspension roadarm to be incorporated in a 3,000 lb vehicle. Phase I will involve the development of a motor/suspension prototype with microprocessor based computer control interface for delivery to the government. It should be emphasized that what NGM brings to this project is the most advanced and efficient drive system for ground vehicle applications, with complete true independent drive capability. NGM intends on pursuing the commercialization of the system for both drive and generative purposes. The commercial applications envisioned include wheel motors for sedans and light trucks, generators scooters and recreational vehicles. Users are government agencies, utility companies, and private sector.
