GEM Motors, a specialist developer of advanced electric propulsion systems, is strengthening the electrification of light electric vehicles (LEVs) through its patented multiphase in-wheel drive technology. The company’s solution integrates the electric motor, power electronics, and embedded control intelligence directly into the wheel hub, delivering a highly compact, efficient, and modular drive system optimised for next-generation urban mobility platforms.

As the global mobility ecosystem shifts toward lightweight, energy-efficient, and space-constrained electric vehicles, GEM Motors’ in-wheel architecture addresses fundamental limitations of conventional centrally mounted traction motors and mechanical drivetrains, including transmission losses, packaging inefficiencies, and system-level complexity.

Advanced Multiphase In-Wheel Drive Architecture

GEM Motors’ technology focuses on a direct-drive, gearless in-wheel motor system based on a multiphase electrical machine topology. By eliminating mechanical components such as gearboxes, differentials, and drive shafts, the system significantly reduces mechanical losses, acoustic noise, and maintenance requirements.

The multiphase motor architecture, combined with integrated power electronics, enables:

• Enhanced fault tolerance, allowing continued operation under phase loss or partial failure conditions
• Reduced torque ripple and smoother electromagnetic torque production, improving ride comfort and controllability
• Improved current distribution and thermal management, supporting high continuous torque operation

The system is controlled using advanced field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms with high-bandwidth current regulation, enabling precise torque control across a wide speed range. This is particularly critical for stop-and-go urban driving cycles, where dynamic response and low-speed efficiency dominate real-world performance.

Integrated Power Electronics and Low-Voltage Operation

GEM Motors’ in-wheel drive system operates at low DC bus voltages below 75 V, aligning with electrical safety standards for light electric mobility while avoiding the complexity and insulation requirements of high-voltage traction systems.

The integrated inverter and control electronics are optimised for:

• High switching efficiency at low voltage levels
• Minimal conduction and switching losses
• Reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) through compact layouts and short current paths

Measured electromagnetic emissions are reported to be up to an order of magnitude lower than those of conventional centralized drivetrain architectures, simplifying compliance with EMC regulations and reducing system-level shielding requirements.

System-Level Efficiency and Energy Performance

By colocating the motor, inverter, and control electronics at the wheel, GEM Motors minimises electrical and mechanical energy losses typically associated with long cable runs and mechanical transmission elements. The architecture also enables highly effective regenerative braking, with rapid torque response and direct energy recovery at the wheel.

Key system-level performance benefits include:

• Up to 20% improvement in vehicle driving range, achieved through reduced drivetrain losses
• Approximately 10% reduction in net energy consumption, driven by efficient power conversion and regenerative braking optimisation
• High efficiency under partial-load and low-speed operating conditions, which dominate urban driving profiles

These improvements allow vehicle manufacturers to achieve extended range without increasing battery capacity, directly reducing system cost, mass, and environmental impact.

GEM Motors’ in-wheel drive technology is engineered as a modular propulsion platform, enabling scalable power and torque configurations across a wide range of light electric vehicle classes.

Key integration advantages include:

• Significant reduction in drivetrain component count, simplifying vehicle architecture
• Improved packaging freedom, enabling flexible battery placement and increased usable space
• Optimised vehicle mass distribution, enhancing handling and stability
• Accelerated development cycles, due to simplified mechanical and electrical integration

The platform supports diverse applications, including electric scooters, three-wheelers, microcars, light delivery vehicles, autonomous urban platforms, and vehicle electrification or conversion projects.

By combining multiphase motor technology, integrated power electronics, and embedded control intelligence within a compact in-wheel form factor, GEM Motors delivers a propulsion solution aligned with the evolving demands of urban mobility, where efficiency, safety, modularity, and sustainability are critical design drivers.

The technology supports cleaner vehicle architectures, reduced energy consumption, and lower total cost of ownership, positioning GEM Motors as a key enabler of next-generation light electric mobility.

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About GEM Motors

GEM Motors is a Slovenia-based technology company specializing in advanced in-wheel electric drive systems and multiphase motor technologies for light electric vehicles. The company develops integrated motor, inverter, and control solutions that deliver high efficiency, compactness, and system robustness and partners with OEMs, system integrators, and mobility providers worldwide to support the transition toward safer, cleaner, and more efficient electric transportation.