General Motors is exploring the implementation of quad-motor powertrains for its electric vehicles, aiming to enhance performance both on highways and off-road terrains.
A patent application made public by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on November 21, 2024, and originally submitted by GM on May 17, 2023, describes a mechanical coupling system that enables two electric motors to drive the same axle.
According to the patent, this coupling option would permit both motors to be coupled together, potentially through a clutch pack. GM highlights that this arrangement could provide maximum torque across a broader range of conditions.
For instance, when navigating low-traction off-road surfaces or when a vehicle has one wheel elevated, the total torque from both motors could be directed to the wheel having the highest grip. GM also mentions that, on paved surfaces, “directional stability may be enhanced during straight-line acceleration, potentially leading to better 0-60 performance, and at elevated speeds, it could help reduce excessive sensitivity in steering.”
The patent application elaborates on installing pairs of motors at the front or rear axles of an electric vehicle, facilitating a quad-motor powertrain. Currently, GM offers a tri-motor powertrain for the GMC Hummer EV, which consists of a single motor in the front and two motors in the rear, managed via electronic rather than mechanical means.
Other manufacturers have also embraced this concept, with Rivian incorporating a quad-motor powertrain in its R1S and R1T models, while BMW has been conducting public tests of its own variant since 2022. This BMW powertrain is anticipated to deliver up to 1,341 hp in certain configurations and is expected to make its debut in an electric M3 sports sedan.
Image Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock
