In-hub Electric Powertrain

Led cradle-to-grave development of in-hub EV powertrains, integrating PMAC motors, planetary gear systems and cooling systems.

Role

Powertrain Lead - Formula Electric

Industry

Automotive

Duration

3 years

In-hub powertrain
In-hub powertrain
In-hub powertrain

Overview:

As lead powertrain engineer, my involvement consisted of leading the full-cycle development of one of the first hub-integrated powertrains to compete in the North American FSAE event.


Overview:

As lead powertrain engineer, my involvement consisted of leading the full-cycle development of one of the first hub-integrated powertrains to compete in the North American FSAE event.


satellite bus
satellite bus
satellite bus

My Role:

I was personally involved with every aspect of the design, analysis, fabrication and successful testing of the dual stage gear reduction system housed within each wheel upright. Joby Aviation supplied the rotor magnetic design and stator fabrication, while I designed, analyzed, prototyped and tested an advanced liquid cooling sleeve.

Key Contributions:

  • Designed, analyzed, fabricated, and tested four in-hub powertrains featuring a PMAC motor, multi-stage planetary gear reduction system, and liquid cooling system.

  • Engineered advanced liquid cooling systems, leveraging CFD-driven flow optimization and thermal modeling to maximize performance under extreme operating conditions

  • Developed vehicle dynamics models to define powertrain and suspension load cases. Performed structural analysis of drivetrain components – including the gear system, uprights, and wheel hub – to ensure durability under dynamic loading.

Impact:

Delivered a race-ready EV powertrain that was tested under limited power settings (battery failure caused a non-driving vehicle).


Other projects

Zachary Valles

Copyright 2025 by Zachary Valles

Zachary Valles

Copyright 2025 by Zachary Valles

Zachary Valles

Copyright 2025 by Zachary Valles