Farnham, UK – 5 September 2025 – Protean Electric (Protean), a global pioneer in in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, has announced a landmark achievement in electric powertrain development. The company’s latest generation of ProteanDrive IWMs, set to enter production in 2026, will reach price parity with twin e-axle solutions while enabling lower overall vehicle costs—a breakthrough that could redefine the economics of electric mobility.
The unveiling will take place at IAA Mobility 2025 (9–12 September), where Protean will showcase the new technology and its transformative potential for both legacy OEMs and new EV entrants.
Displacing the Twin E-Axle
At the heart of this development is the new ProteanDrive Pm18 2500, the first in-wheel motor to displace a twin e-axle system due to superior cost-efficiency and enhanced functionality. Nominated by a European OEM for a high-performance EV programme scheduled for start of production in 2026, the Pm18 2500 represents a decisive step forward for IWMs in mainstream automotive adoption.
With outputs of over 2500Nm and 220kW per wheel, the motor delivers exceptional performance, enabling vehicle acceleration from 0–100 km/h in just under three seconds. This combination of cost competitiveness and capability positions Protean as the first IWM supplier to deliver production-ready, high-performance solutions for passenger vehicles.
Efficiency and Integration Advantages
Protean’s IWM design not only matches the cost of e-axle technology but also reduces overall vehicle manufacturing costs. By eliminating traditional driveline components, simplifying architecture, and streamlining production processes, Protean offers OEMs two clear advantages:
- Seamless integration into existing vehicle platforms with minimal redesign requirements.
- Greater modularity and efficiency for new EV architectures, unlocking improvements in space utilisation, performance, and overall vehicle efficiency.
This dual benefit highlights how IWMs can act as both a drop-in solution for current platforms and a cornerstone for the next generation of electric vehicles.
A Vision Realised
Protean Electric CEO, Andrew Whitehead, emphasised the strategic importance of this milestone:
“We have always believed that in-wheel motors make better EVs, and we are able to prove that today. In this industry, better must also mean cheaper—without sacrificing quality or performance. As twin e-axle systems become commonplace, we have shown we can displace them with our ProteanDrive solutions to deliver cost-effective innovation and more customer value. We are excited to showcase this at IAA Mobility 2025.”
Showcasing at IAA Mobility
From 9 to 12 September, visitors to IAA Mobility in Munich will be able to experience Protean’s latest advancements first-hand. The company will present the new ProteanDrive Pm18 2500 alongside its wider portfolio of IWM solutions at Hall A3, Stand B01.
With this announcement, Protean Electric signals not only its readiness for large-scale production but also its intent to shape the next chapter in electric powertrain technology—delivering performance, efficiency, and affordability in equal measure.
