Elaphe Propulsion Technologies in-wheel powertrain advances LCV electrification

On January 21, Elaphe Propulsion Technologies Ltd. announced via a social media post that it is collaborating with Neapco on advanced in-wheel system development for the light commercial vehicle segment. The partnership focuses on scalable electric drivetrain solutions tailored for demanding commercial applications.
Elaphe Propulsion Technologies in-wheel powertrain built for rear axle integration
The collaboration has led to the development of the SuperBear powertrain system, engineered specifically for rear axle integration. The system delivers very high torque density while fitting into a standard 16-inch wheel rim, enabling electrification without major vehicle architecture changes and preserving payload and packaging efficiency.
The SuperBear configuration is designed as a primary rear-axle drive and delivers:

• Peak torque exceeding 2,500 Nm

• Peak power output of 75 kW

• Compact in-wheel packaging for commercial vehicle duty cycles

Scalable SuperBear and MidiBear configurations for EV and PHEV platforms
In addition to the primary drive system, the platform supports an auxiliary configuration known as MidiBear. This setup is intended for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles where supplemental rear-axle propulsion is required. The MidiBear variant offers:

• Peak torque of 1,500 Nm

• Peak power of 93 kW

• Flexible integration for multi-drive powertrain architectures

With Elaphe’s vehicle control solutions, the in-wheel system also enhances overall vehicle stability while delivering improved traction control under varying road and load conditions.
To demonstrate real-world performance, the Neapco team will showcase the SuperBear-equipped van during demo drives in Arjeplog, Sweden, scheduled from March 1 to March 15, 2026. The demonstrations will highlight system capability in extreme cold-weather and low-traction environments, reflecting typical commercial vehicle operating challenges.