Farnham, UK – 29 July 2025 – In a historic milestone for electric vehicle propulsion, Protean Electric has become the first company in the world to supply in-wheel motors (IWMs) to a mainstream OEM passenger car programme—cementing its position as the global leader in this cutting-edge EV drivetrain technology.
This breakthrough collaboration sees Protean’s next-generation Pd18 in-wheel motors integrated into the Renault 5 Turbo 3E (T3E)—a bold, all-electric tribute to Renault’s rallying heritage. Revealed to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the T3E showcases the raw performance and design flexibility that in-wheel propulsion systems can unlock, accelerating from 0–62 mph in under 3.5 seconds thanks to more than 200kW delivered directly to each rear wheel.
A New Era for In-Wheel Motors
Long regarded as a visionary concept within the EV space, in-wheel motors have often faced technical and commercial barriers to large-scale adoption. Protean’s achievement signals a turning point—bringing IWMs into the spotlight as a viable, scalable solution for mainstream automotive applications.
“This is not just an engineering achievement—it’s an inflection point,” said Andrew Whitehead, CEO of Protean Electric. “To see our in-wheel motor technology come to life in a vehicle as iconic as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a proud moment for our team. This collaboration not only validates the performance and reliability of our systems, but it proves that IWMs can compete—and outperform—conventional EV powertrains.”
Advanced Performance, Compact Freedom
Protean’s Pd18 platform is one of the most advanced IWM systems available today. Its integration allows engineers and designers unprecedented freedom, eliminating traditional drivetrain constraints such as axles, differentials and gearboxes. The result is not only improved vehicle dynamics and responsiveness, but also increased space efficiency—enabling new levels of design innovation and modularity across vehicle platforms.
A Scalable Vision for Electrification
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E project represents more than just a single product launch. It’s a signal that OEMs are embracing IWM technology as a strategic enabler for the next generation of electric mobility—particularly as they seek to differentiate in performance, design and efficiency.
Protean Electric is now positioned as a first-mover in an increasingly competitive landscape, leading a new era of propulsion technology that is likely to define the EV platforms of tomorrow.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Renault and other global OEMs,” added Whitehead. “The road ahead is exciting, and in-wheel motors will play a central role in delivering better, more dynamic, and more efficient electric vehicles to customers worldwide.”
About Protean Electric
Based in Farnham, UK, Protean Electric is a world leader in in-wheel motor technology, with a mission to revolutionise electric propulsion. Its IWM solutions are designed to enhance performance, improve efficiency and enable radically flexible vehicle architectures for the future of mobility.
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