Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company have partnered to integrate advanced in-wheel motors into a lightweight EV chassis. The resulting platform, an evolution of WATT's PACES system, promises versatile applications from beach buggies to sports cars. A prototype will debut at CES in January 2026.
The collaboration between Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company marks a notable advancement in electric vehicle design. Donut Lab first showcased its compact, powerful electric motors at the previous Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. These motors, known for their high torque and power density, have potential uses beyond vehicles, including drones, wind turbines, and household appliances like washing machines.
WATT's Passenger and Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES) serves as the base for this project. This aluminum platform is designed for low-volume electric vehicles, emphasizing lightness and efficiency. The integration involves placing Donut Lab's motors directly into the rear wheel hubs, creating a more compact layout than traditional EV setups that require space for separate drive units. Initially, the system features motors on the rear wheels, with plans for an all-wheel-drive version in the future.
Company leaders highlighted the synergy of their technologies. Neil Yates, CEO of WATT Electric Vehicles, stated, “The integration of Donut Lab’s revolutionary in-wheel motor technology represents a significant leap for what PACES can offer the automotive world. Its motors, inverter, and software systems perfectly complement our lightweight platform philosophy. The direct, fine control of the individual wheel speeds brings an agility that is perfectly complemented by the low mass and inertia of our chassis technology. This skateboard can produce vehicles that will set new benchmarks for EV handling.”
Marko Lehtimäki, CEO of Donut Lab, added, “WATT EV’s PACES platform provides the perfect canvas to showcase the full potential of our advanced motor technology. The exceptional low mass of PACES allows our high-torque, high-power-density in-wheel motors to truly shine, delivering a driving experience that would be impossible with heavier platforms. When you combine our direct-drive precision control with WATT’s lightweight engineering expertise, you create something genuinely transformative, a vehicle architecture that’s lighter, more efficient, more powerful, and infinitely more engaging to drive.”
The platform's flexibility could enable diverse vehicle types, such as beach buggies, high-performance sports cars, and commercial delivery vehicles. Visitors to CES next month will have the opportunity to see the prototype firsthand.