Elaphe, a developer of in-wheel motor (IWM) technology and wheel control, unveiled its high-performance front-wheel in-wheel motor, Sonic.1, at CES 2025. Sonic.1 offers performance upgrades for electric and hybrid vehicles, unrivaled power density, advanced control capabilities and direct compatibility with high-performance brakes and existing supercar architectures.

The Sonic.1 direct-drive motor is the first and only IWM compatible with high-performance brakes that integrates large 400 mm brake discs into a 21-inch rim, making it ideal for front wheels of high-performance vehicles where space and weight are critical factors. In 21-inch rim, Sonic.1 IWM delivers a continuous power output of 272 horsepower per wheel, with the capability to reach up to 347 peak horsepower.

Key features of the Sonic.1 Motor include:

• Continuous output of 272 horsepower per wheel (347 HP peak) in a lightweight design, with over 5 kW/kg continuous power density in a 21-inch front wheel rim.

• Potential axle peak power of up to 1 MW in rear-wheel-drive configurations and 8kW/kg in continuous power density.

• Industry-first compatibility with 400 mm high-performance front disc brakes in a 21-inch rim, ideal for high-performance and vehicles with limited space.

• Advanced traction control and torque vectoring improves vehicle handling, acceleration, and braking, offering 20x faster wheel response compared to conventional e-axle systems.

• Patent-pending industry first sound and vibration generation functionality provides audio and sensory feedback to provide audio and sensory feedback that enhances driver emotions.

The integration of the Sonic.1 in-wheel motor directly into the wheel not only optimizes space and weight, but also contributes to a more controllable wheel. 20-times greater wheel control enables increased vehicle performance in acceleration, stability and braking. Furthermore, Sonic.1 design enables easy integration into existing and new supercar models. It enables significant design improvement opportunities, from aerodynamics, to component placement and styling.

At CES 2025, Elaphe will be present in collaboration with Italdesign. Italdesign will showcase Quintessenza, a concept car, featuring scaled Sonic.1 motors on all wheels. This partnership demonstrates how in-wheel technology is enabling the new era of modular and customizable vehicle design, where sustainability meets performance.