Abstract: A drive assembly for independently driving wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. The drive assembly includes a wheel set positioned at a left or right side of the vehicle. The wheel set includes inner and outer wheels and tires associated with the inner and outer wheels. A drive mechanism, such as an electric motor, rotatably drives the inner and outer wheels. The drive assembly further includes a differential disposed between the inner and outer wheels and responds to the drive mechanism to permit one of the inner and outer wheels to rotate independent of the other of the inner and outer wheels. That is, upon a turn of the vehicle, the differential permits the inner and outer wheels to realize different rotational speeds as the inner and outer wheels are being rotatably driven by the drive mechanism. As such, scrubbing or dragging of the tires associated with the wheels is eliminated.

Abstract: A dual wheel assembly is provided that includes a spindle having an axle shaft defining a rotational axis. The axle shaft has a drive pinion. A first wheel hub is supported on the spindle and is positioned to be rotatably driven about the rotational axis. A second wheel hub is arranged adjacent to the first wheel hub and is also rotatable about the rotational axis. The second wheel hub may be supported by the first wheel hub or the spindle. A differential assembly is interconnected between the first wheel hub and the second wheel hub. The differential assembly permits both wheels to be driven for increased traction while allowing the second wheel hub to rotate relative to the first wheel hub. A gear reduction assembly interconnects the differential assembly and the drive pinion to provide torque multiplication to the wheel hubs. In this manner, the gear reduction assembly provides the additional torque required for heavy vehicles while the differential assembly allows relative rotation of the wheel hubs.