Protean Electric, a global leader in in-wheel motor (IWM) technology for various vehicles, has recently launched its latest innovation, the ProteanDrive Generation 5 (‘Gen 5’) IWM. This new generation of in-wheel motors brings improved performance, scalability, and affordability to the industrial sector, marking a significant step forward in the field.
Engineered, tested, and manufactured by Protean Electric in the UK, the ‘Gen 5’ ProteanDrive Pd18 IWM offers world-leading performance and features a fully integrated inverter, all housed within an 18-inch wheel package suitable for a wide range of automotive and mobility applications. Production of these innovative motors began in the third quarter of 2023, with shipments already on their way to OEMs and mobility pioneers worldwide from Protean’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China.
This production launch, along with the IATF 16949 certification, solidifies Protean’s position as an industry leader in in-wheel motor technology. The Gen 5 IWM from Protean enables vehicle manufacturers to enhance their products, providing customers with a superior driving experience through improved vehicle space, ergonomics, efficiency, safety, and performance. This ultimately leads to increased margins and market share for OEMs as the technology continues to evolve and become more cost-effective, driving more manufacturers towards widespread adoption of in-wheel motors.
Andrew Whitehead, the CEO of Protean Electric, emphasized the importance of in-wheel motors in the future of the electric vehicle industry. He highlighted how the industrialized Pd18 positions Protean Electric at the forefront of the market, enabling vehicle manufacturers to incorporate in-wheel motors at scale and at an affordable price to stand out in the competitive electric vehicle market.
The Gen 5 Pd18 has been meticulously designed, validated, and manufactured to meet the highest automotive industry standards. It can be customized to various wheel sizes, torque, and power capabilities. Currently, 400V lead products are available, with plans to introduce 800V products by the end of 2024. Protean has already received its IATF 16949 certificate and R85 homologation for the Pd18, showcasing its commitment to quality and safety standards.
Furthermore, the Gen 5 Pd18 is already in use by key customers as part of innovative electric retrofit solutions and zero-emission refrigerated trailer solutions. This demonstrates the real-world application and impact of Protean’s advanced in-wheel motor technology in transforming the automotive and mobility industries.
In conclusion, Protean Electric’s introduction of the Gen 5 in-wheel motors represents a significant advancement in industrial applications, offering enhanced performance, scalability, and affordability to vehicle manufacturers worldwide. With a focus on innovation and quality, Protean continues to lead the way in revolutionizing the future of electric vehicles and mobility solutions.
