Protean starts roll-out of next-gen in-wheel motors
UK power unit specialist Protean has announced the production launch of its next-generation in-wheel motor.
says the ‘Gen 5’ technology brings enhanced performance, scalability and affordability to businesses looking to convert existing fossil-fuelled vehicles to electric power.
Customers began testing the ProteanDrive Pd18 in late 2023 but Protean has now begun full-scale production of the unit, which houses the entire drive system within an 18-inch wheel package.
Andrew Whitehead, chief executive officer of Protean Electric, said: “In-wheel motors are a critical component to the future of the electric vehicle industry. The availability of an industrialised Pd18 positions Protean Electric at the forefront of the market. This technology will allow vehicle manufacturers to adopt in-wheel-motors at scale and at an affordable price, as they seek to differentiate their product offering in an increasingly crowded electric vehicle market.”
In conjunction with sister company Bedeo, Protean is at the forefront of developing systems to help businesses convert existing vehicles, especially vans, to electric power. Its in-wheel motors allow commercial vehicles to be converted to low- or zero-emissions running at a far lower cost than the purchase price of a new all-electric vehicle. Due to the innovative positioning of the motors, converted vehicles don’t suffer any impact on cargo space or practicality.
Among the vehicles using Protean’s in-wheel system are vans based on the Stellantis X250 platform and the Reborn Electric: Icons Defender.
Protean says that its latest system can be configured to a range of wheel sizes, torque and power capabilities. Offering integrated and separate inverters, 400V lead products are already available, with 800V products by the end of 2024 allowing more power and faster recharging.
