Electric drivetrain developer Donut Lab and WATT Electric Vehicle Company said they have formed a partnership to integrate in-wheel motor technology with a lightweight aluminum skateboard platform, with a functional prototype planned for debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
The collaboration brings together Donut Lab’s direct-drive in-wheel motors and WATT’s PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform, a modular architecture designed for low-volume production and reduced vehicle weight. The companies said the initial prototype will feature two in-wheel motors mounted on the rear axle, with a four-wheel-drive configuration scheduled to follow later in 2026.
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According to the companies, the in-wheel motors allow independent control of each wheel at millisecond precision, enabling software-defined torque vectoring for improved handling on paved roads and enhanced traction in off-road conditions. By removing traditional powertrain components such as central motors, gearboxes and driveshafts, the architecture is intended to reduce system complexity, free up packaging space and improve overall efficiency.
The PACES skateboard is designed to support a wide range of vehicle applications, from lightweight recreational vehicles to sports cars and commercial delivery platforms. The partners said the modular design could simplify manufacturing processes and lower lifetime maintenance requirements by reducing the number of mechanical components.
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“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,” said Neil Yates, chief executive of WATT Electric Vehicles.
Marko Lehtimäki, chief executive of Donut Lab, said the low weight of the PACES platform enhances the benefits of in-wheel propulsion. “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,” he said.
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The companies said the prototype will be demonstrated at CES 2026 on Donut Lab’s stand in the West Hall, as they seek to showcase a flexible electric vehicle architecture aimed at diverse mobility use cases.
