In-wheel motors bring a fundamental change in electric vehicle technology by removing conventional mechanical components and freeing up space inside the vehicle body. This approach ultimately helps to realize all-wheel independent control for improved vehicle dynamics and increased vehicle design freedom. However, when space allowed for an in-wheel motor is taken into consideration, high torque density, high efficiency, and wide speed range capability are typically required. This paper specifically investigates a 20pole-24slot surface permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) with consequent pole (CP) rotor for in-wheel direct drive since this topology is well suited for high pole motors and thus high torque direct drive applications. Extensive finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out to characterize the proposed motor and the practical feasibility of the proposed motor is discussed. Finally, the validity of the analysis was experimentally verified.Index Terms-Consequent pole (CP), fractional slot, direct drive, outer rotor, finite element analysis (FEA), surface permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM), in-wheel drive.