Wheel motors to shake up the standards?

Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicles unite their technologies to develop a platform for light electric vehicles with integrated motors.

Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicles announce a strategic collaboration focused on developing a new platform for light electric vehicles with integrated motors. This partnership combines Donut Lab’s wheel motor technology with WATT’s ultra-lightweight aluminum PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform.

At the heart of the project is a so-called “skateboard” architecture, in which the battery is integrated directly into the chassis. This design significantly reduces weight while maintaining high rigidity. The PACES platform is designed for low to medium production volumes and stands out for its lightweight nature, a key criterion for improving the efficiency of electric vehicles.

The wheels become truly independent

Donut Lab’s technology is based on electric motors integrated directly into the wheels, combined with their inverters and control software. In its first version, the platform will use two direct-drive motors on the rear axle. A four-wheel-drive configuration is already planned for future evolution.

Each motor is controlled independently, allowing for extremely precise torque vectoring, with adjustments made in a few milliseconds. This fine control enhances agility, stability, and traction, both on the road and in more complex grip conditions, including off-road.

The absence of traditional mechanical transmission—shaft, gearbox, or differential—greatly simplifies the powertrain architecture. This approach reduces overall mass, decreases technical complexity, and limits maintenance needs, while optimizing energy efficiency.

Thanks to its modular design, the platform resulting from the collaboration between Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicles can serve as a base for many types of electric vehicles. The envisioned applications cover a wide spectrum, ranging from recreational buggies to electric sports cars, as well as light commercial or delivery vehicles.

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• 21/02/2026 8:02

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A functional prototype of this lightweight electric platform will be presented at CES in Las Vegas in January 2026. This demonstration will mark a key milestone in the development of modular electric solutions, intended for both specialized manufacturers and new players in mobility.

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