First mainstream OEM application of in-wheel motors

Protean Electric (www.proteanelectric.com) part of the BEDEO Group that has a UK facility in Farnham (Surrey) and is a leading developer of in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, has become the first company to develop and supply IWMs for a mainstream OEM passenger car programme.

Protean says this project, which is for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E (T3E), positions the company at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) propulsion innovation and sees it leading of a growing pack of IWM competitors. “This project not only marks a key step in the commercialisation of IWMs but also reinforces their viability as a scalable propulsion solution for mainstream automotive applications.

“With our updated Pd18 solution delivering over 200kW directly to each rear wheel, Protean Electric has developed one of the most advanced IWM systems in the industry. This system offers exceptional performance, including a 0-62mph acceleration of under 3.5sec on the T3E, which was shown to the public for the first time at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.”

Andrew Whitehead, Protean Electric’s CEO, concluded: “We are thrilled to see Protean’s in-wheel motor technology being integrated into such an iconic vehicle as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the future of vehicle electrification, as it clearly shows that in-wheel motors have no limits. We look forward to continuing our work with Renault and other OEMs as they seek to use in-wheel motors to deliver better EVs for their customers.”