<div id="readability-page-1"><figure>  <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/H2A7863_JMEdit.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="8046" height="5367" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/H2A7863_JMEdit.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA"/>  <figcaption>   </figcaption> </figure> <p>In-wheel motors have been around since the very beginning of electric motoring. Ferdinand Porsche developed one way back in 1900, and the US sent them to the moon in our Lunar Roving Vehicles in the early '70s. But, outside of e-bikes, they've never really gone mainstream. It looked like Lordstown Motors would be their time to shine, but that never came to pass.</p> <p>Lordstown's truck, the Endurance, is now dead, doomed to haunt the ever-growing graveyard of failed EV startups. But the source of its motors, a Slovenian company called Elaphe, is still very much alive, refining its technology and installing it into all sorts of interesting project …</p> <p>Read the full story at The Verge.</p></div>

CARZ

CJET

TSLA

DRIV

MOTO

<p>In-wheel motors, developed since the early days of electric motoring, have struggled to gain mainstream acceptance. Despite early hopes for Lordstown Motors' Endurance truck, the company has failed, leaving its motors sourced from Slovenian company Elaphe to continue evolving and being used in various innovative projects. The technology remains relevant as Elaphe refines its offerings.</p>

- In-wheel motors have a long history, dating back to their development by Ferdinand Porsche in 1900 and use in lunar rovers in the 1970s.  
- Despite their potential, they have struggled to achieve mainstream adoption outside of e-bikes, with recent hopes tied to Lordstown Motors' now-defunct Endurance truck.  
- However, Elaphe, the Slovenian company supplying these motors, continues to thrive, enhancing its technology for various innovative projects.

In-hub motors make this humble Hyundai a monster on ice