GM draws up a configuration diagram for a high-performance quad-motor EV.

General Motors is looking at ways to add a quad-motor powertrain to its electric vehicles that can perform both on-road and off-road.

The patent application, published November 21, 2024 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and filed by GM on May 17, 2023, discusses the use of a mechanical coupling to allow two electric motors to drive the same axle.

According to the application, the coupling could allow both motors to be locked together via a clutch pack. This would allow for maximum torque in a wider range of scenarios, GM noted.

For example, when driving off-road on low traction surfaces or with one wheel off the ground, the combined torque of both motors could be sent to the wheel with the most grip, GM says. Alternatively, on paved roads, “directional stability in a straight line could be improved and 0-60 performance could be improved.

2024 GMC Hummer EV

The patent application discusses using a pair of motors on the EV's front or rear axle to enable a quad-motor powertrain GM currently offers a three-motor powertrain in the GMC Hummer EV, with one front motor and two rear motors.

Other automakers offer quad-motor powertrains with the R1S and R1T from Rebian; BMW's quad-motor powertrain is expected to deliver 1,341 hp peak power in some applications and will likely be used in the M3 electric sports sedan. likely to be used in the M3 electric sports sedan.