Frequently asked questions

There are more electric components, but they replace mechanical ones: one motor per wheel removes the differentials, locking differentials, transfer case and long drive shafts of a comparable four-wheel-drive vehicle. The four motors are small, identical standard parts. Our estimate puts the drive hardware in the same cost range as a conventional 4×4 driveline; we confirm this per application with suppliers. The complexity moves from mechanics to software – which is where we bring the value.

Not necessarily. Four small motors with their reduction stages replace a central motor, differentials and shafts. Because the motors sit inboard on the sprung chassis rather than in the wheels, the unsprung mass stays low, which helps ride and traction. The final mass depends on the vehicle; we provide a mass budget per application.

We do not claim an efficiency advantage. Energy consumption is in the same range as a conventional electric drivetrain of the same mass. The benefits of the platform are manoeuvrability, traction and packaging. Range is determined by the battery and vehicle mass chosen for the application.

There are fewer mechanical wear parts: no differential oil, no transfer case, no long propeller shafts. Instead there are sealed electric motors, controllers and actuators from the established EV supply chain. Each wheel module can be diagnosed separately and replaced as a unit.

Each wheel has its own motor and steering actuator, and the control system is designed so that if one fails, the others take over and the vehicle can still reach a safe place. The sideways mode is limited to walking pace and fades out smoothly between 7 and 10 km/h; normal steering always stays available. Functional safety is developed with the relevant standards in mind – such as ISO 25119 for agricultural machinery, ISO 13849 for machinery and ISO 26262 for road vehicles – and certified per application with the partner.

Mostly, yes – and that is where our target vehicles do their work: yards, fields, crop rows, ports, depots and city centres. At road speed the vehicle behaves like a conventional four-wheel-drive vehicle, with the sideways mode switched off.

Crab steering is known from telehandlers, harvesters and some cars, usually with a mechanical drivetrain and an on/off mode switch. Freiberger combines a motor per wheel on swing axles with portal gearing – giving either high clearance or a low floor from the same parts – with a steering logic in which the sideways movement fades out smoothly with speed while normal steering is never reduced. This combination is the subject of our patent applications.

Three Dutch patent applications were filed in October 2026 (patent pending), covering the drive layout, the steerable wheel carrier with portal gearing and the speed-dependent steering logic. International filings are planned. Details are shared with partners under a non-disclosure agreement.

The concept is fully modelled and simulated, including kinematics, steering logic and vehicle dynamics. A prototype is in build to validate the drive and steering concept. Full-size development is the next step, preferably together with a partner on their application.

Per application field, under licence or as a joint development. A licence gives rights to use the platform in your vehicle segment, exclusive where it makes sense. In a joint development we adapt the platform to your vehicle, from prototype to series, with engineering support, simulation models and steering software. We also work with suppliers of motors, controllers, gearing, joints, actuators and batteries.

Yes. The platform is fully drive-by-wire: steering angle and torque are commanded electronically, wheel by wheel. One steering logic serves a driver in a cab, a remote operator and an autonomous system. Interfaces are agreed per project.

That depends on the vehicle category – agricultural or off-road machinery, light vehicles or commercial vehicles. Small series and special vehicles can use individual or small-series approval routes. We plan the approval route per application together with the partner.