New Donut Lab motors ooze power and torque

A new electric powertrain startup, Donut Lab, has launched five electric motors, most with a gaping hole in the middle. That’s how the company got its Donut Lab name.

The company’s motor unveiling took place at the annual CES show. On display was a range of in-wheel-style motors, from a tiny drone drive to a 21-inch high-performance hypercar unit. The latter the company claims is the new power and torque performance leader. Each motor promises to cut mass, boost torque, and improve overall performance for its application.

A CES 2025, Donut Lab revealed all the specs of its various hub-style motors. The most potent, designed for a 21-inch rim, weighs in at just 40kg but produces 630kW and a massive 4300Nm of torque. Its power-to-weight figure is 15.75 kW/kg, higher than the previous sector leader, from British firm, Equipmake (11 kW/kg). 

As to torque density, it would appear to blow away the competition. With a peak of 4300Nm, that means 108Nm/kg. Nothing comes close.

If the motors seem familiar, that’s because the company itself is a spin-off of Verge Motorcycles. They already build bikes using the original hubless electric motor. 

Donut Lab CEO, Marko Lehtimäki, said at the launch “Great unsprung mass has been the most important reason why everyone hasn’t used motors integrated with the tire in their vehicles. 

“Through the torque and power density we’ve now achieved, the relative weight of the motor is so small that for the first time the unsprung mass is insignificant.”

The in-wheel motor technology eliminates the need for transmission hardware. Eliminating items like driveshaft and axles cuts complexity, weight and cost. Verge electric motorcycles, for example, weigh less than 250kg. 

The in-wheel configuration also saves space within the vehicle, allowing designers to create more spacious interiors.

The other four motors on display were just as interesting. A 17-inch version for motorcycles produces 150kW of power and 1200Nm of torque, weighing in at 21kg.

A scooter motor with a 12-inch rim weighs 8kg, makes 15kW and 300Nm, and offers a top speed of 120km/h.

There’s also a drone version weighing 1500g, producing 3000W and 20Nm of torque. It’s diameter is 12cm.

And finally, there’s a semi-truck version, with 200kW and 3000Nm of torque, six making 18,000Nm and offering a top speed of 140km/h.

The company says that its “elastic performance specification” means it can meet the specific power and torque needs for all kinds of projects. Donut is also producing an ecosystem of compatible powertrain components, including battery packs and control software for its range of motors.