Zhejiang Xingjie Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Xingjie Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
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Why are the wheel hubs of new energy vehicles more delicate than those of traditional vehicles?

2025-10-14

Many new energy vehicle owners feel that their wheel hubs are more delicate than those of their previous gasoline-powered vehicles. They can get scratched or deformed even after driving over potholes, making repairs more difficult. This isn't just a misconception. The "delicate" nature of new energy vehicle wheel hubs stems from a variety of unique factors, including vehicle design, material selection, and usage scenarios.

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Material Variations

The "delicate" wheel hubs of new energy vehicles primarily stem from the different materials used. To achieve lighter weight and longer range, new energy vehicle wheels are mostly made of lightweight materials such as magnesium alloy and carbon fiber. Take magnesium alloy, for example. While it's significantly lighter than the steel wheel hubs used in traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and can help save energy, it's significantly less rigid and tough. Even minor roadside scrapes, such as scraping against a rock or failing to slow down when going over a speed bump, can easily cause the wheel hub to dent or deform. Carbon fiber may appear strong, but it lacks toughness. Once impacted, it can develop delamination or fine cracks, which are much more difficult to repair than scratches on steel. The wheel hubs of gasoline-powered vehicles, on the other hand, are either steel or ordinary aluminum alloy. While heavy, they are highly impact-resistant and rarely subject to minor daily bumps.

High Pressure

New energy vehicles, equipped with large-capacity battery packs, are often several hundred kilograms heavier than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. Some pure electric SUVs can even weigh over 2.5 tons. The wheel hub is a key component supporting the vehicle's body. The heavier the vehicle, the greater the static pressure it bears. More crucially, the power output differs. Electric motors unleash maximum torque upon startup, resulting in intense acceleration and acceleration, which in turn places significant stress on the wheel hub. However, gasoline-powered vehicles require the engine to accelerate to deliver high torque, resulting in a more gradual power delivery, which naturally reduces the impact on the wheel hub. Long-term exposure to this high-pressure, high-frequency impact causes the wheel hubs of new energy vehicles to wear out faster and are more prone to invisible damage.

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Design Issues

To reduce air resistance and maximize mileage, many new energy vehicles feature flat, enclosed wheel hubs with wide spokes and narrow gaps. This reduces air turbulence generated by the rotation of the wheels. However, this design also has its drawbacks. First, the enclosed structure impairs heat dissipation, especially during frequent braking, where heat cannot dissipate, affecting the stability of the wheel hub material. Second, this design requires extremely high manufacturing precision. Even the slightest deviation from roundness or deformation can not only affect driving stability but also interfere with the signals of the vehicle's smart sensors. In contrast, the wheel hubs of gasoline-powered vehicles are more practical, often featuring a hollow design that dissipates heat and distributes stress. Even a slight decrease in precision is not a major issue, making them appear more durable.

Difficult to Repair

Due to the unique material, a cracked carbon fiber wheel hub, for example, can't be simply polished off like a traditional wheel hub. Repair requires specialized materials and craftsmanship, otherwise it could pose a safety hazard. Furthermore, many wheel hubs for new energy vehicles are custom-made by the manufacturer, with styling and specifications specifically tuned to the vehicle model. Universal repair parts are difficult to find on the market, and if they break, they often require replacement with original parts, which can be very costly. However, wheel hubs for combustion vehicles are different. They're made of universal materials and have standardized designs, making them easy to repair, parts readily available, and the cost significantly lower. In comparison, wheel hubs for new energy vehicles appear more delicate.


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