Protean Electric's 5th-generation in-wheel motor goes into production

On July 16, Protean Electric (Protean for short) announced the launch of its ProteanDrive 5th generation hub motor (referred to as "Gen 5").

Designed, tested and produced by UK-based Protean Electric, the ‘Gen 5’ ProteanDrive Pd18 in-wheel motor offers world-leading performance and a fully integrated inverter, all in an 18-inch wheel package for all automotive and mobility applications.

Production is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023, with shipments to global OEMs and mobility pioneers from Protean’s advanced manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China. This production launch and associated IATF 16949 certification underscores Protean’s position as an industry leader, further demonstrating the most mature and advanced in-wheel motor product range available worldwide today.

Protean’s leading, certified in-wheel motors enable automakers to improve their products. Delivering a superior customer experience through enhanced vehicle space and ergonomics, efficiency, safety and performance. Providing customers with increased profit margins and market share. As the technology matures and costs decrease, these proven benefits will drive mass adoption of in-wheel motors by more and more automakers.

Andrew Whitehead, CEO of Protean Electric, said: “In-wheel electric motors are a key component to the future of the electric vehicle industry. The launch of the industrialised Pd18 puts Protean Electric at the forefront of the market. This technology will enable large-scale, affordable adoption by car manufacturers as they seek to differentiate their products in an increasingly crowded electric vehicle market.

Protean’s Gen 5 Pd18 has been designed, fully validated and manufactured to the highest automotive industry standards and can be configured for a wide range of wheel sizes, torque and power capabilities. The 400V lead product, available with both integrated and standalone inverters, is available now, with an 800V product to follow by the end of 2024. Protean received its IATF 16949 certificate earlier this year and the Pd18 has been R85 ​​certified. The Gen5 Pd18 is already in use by major customers as part of BEDEO’s Reborn Electric retrofit solution, and in ConMet’s Preset Plus® Electric Hub zero-emission refrigerated trailer solution.