Protean Electric Powers into the Mainstream with Groundbreaking In-Wheel Motor Technology for Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Protean Electric Powers into the Mainstream with Groundbreaking In-Wheel Motor Technology for Renault 5 Turbo 3E

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 […]

By Herman Moolman29 July 20254 min read

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.”

Protean Electric Powers Into The Mainstream With Groundbreaking In Wheel Motor Technology For Renault 5 Turbo 3e

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.


Let me know if you’d like title options or a version adapted for a more consumer-facing audience.

Comments

Sign in to comment.Sign in

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Renaulttriberexpressiiiredefinesbusinessmobility 3
Renaulttriberexpressiiiredefinesbusinessmobility
Renaulttriberexpressiiiredefinesbusinessmobility 4
Renaulttriberexpressiiiredefinesbusinessmobility 2
Renaulttriberexpressiiiredefinesbusinessmobility 1
1 / 5
54
0
ArticleApril 10, 2026

Renault Triber Express III Redefines Business Mobility

Renault South Africa has introduced a distinctly local answer to the evolving demands of modern business transport with the arrival of the new Triber Express III LCV. Designed with South African conditions and enterprise
Renault bridger concept urban suv
103
1
ArticleMarch 30, 2026

Renault Bridger Concept Signals New Urban SUV Era

In a world where cities grow denser and expectations stretch wider, Renault is sketching a new kind of vehicle, one that refuses to accept the usual trade-offs. Enter the Bridger Concept, a show-car that compresses footp
Renault futuREady plan reshapes supplier partnerships
133
1
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

Renault futuREady plan reshapes supplier partnerships

Renault unveils futuREady strategy to strengthen supplier ties, boost innovation, cut costs and accelerate electrification goals.
Pop Art Car Exhibition at Défilé Renault® Unites Art & Cars
129
5
ArticleMarch 11, 2026

Pop Art Car Exhibition at Défilé Renault® Unites Art & Cars

pop-art-car-exhibition-at-defile-renault-unites-art-cars
Renault Group Delivers Strong Profitability and Strategic Momentum in 2025
174
2
ArticleFebruary 19, 2026

Renault Group Delivers Strong Profitability and Strategic Momentum in 2025

Boulogne-Billancourt, February 19, 2026 – Renault Group closed 2025 with robust financial and commercial performance, delivering on its updated 2025 financial outlook despite a challenging global market environment. The Group demonstrated resilience and operational discipline, underpinned by the strength of its product portfolio, international expansion, and a clear focus on electrification. Robust Financial Performance and […]

Renault Group Delivers Its Strongest UK Fleet Performance in Over a Decade
71
2
ArticleFebruary 2, 2026

Renault Group Delivers Its Strongest UK Fleet Performance in Over a Decade

Renault Group closed 2025 with its most compelling fleet performance in the UK for more than ten years, underlining a period of sustained momentum across passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and premium segments. Driven by a combination of fresh product, balanced powertrain strategy, and renewed focus on customer relationships, the Group has significantly strengthened its […]

Renault Supercharges PCP Finance for Petrol, Hybrid and EVs
54
1
ArticleJanuary 29, 2026

Renault Supercharges PCP Finance for Petrol, Hybrid and EVs

Renault is opening the year with a clear message to UK car buyers: there is more than one smart way to move forward, and flexibility is the real luxury. Across petrol, hybrid and fully electric models, the brand has unveiled a wide-ranging set of PCP finance offers designed to lower monthly costs while giving customers […]

New Renault Duster Redefines Compact SUV for India with Hybrid Power and Tech-Forward Interior
49
1
ArticleJanuary 26, 2026

New Renault Duster Redefines Compact SUV for India with Hybrid Power and Tech-Forward Interior

Renault has unveiled the all-new Duster, a next-generation compact SUV designed to capture the imagination of Indian drivers with its combination of robust capability, modern design, and advanced technology. With a fully redesigned interior, high-tech connectivity, and efficient new powertrains—including India’s first Renault full hybrid—the New Duster is poised to continue its legacy as a […]

Renault Dominates What Car? Awards 2026 with Triple Success in Electric and Small-Car Segments
188
575
ArticleJanuary 23, 2026

Renault Dominates What Car? Awards 2026 with Triple Success in Electric and Small-Car Segments

Renault has marked a triumphant moment at the What Car? Awards 2026, securing three prestigious accolades that highlight the brand’s expertise across both electric and small-car segments. The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, Renault 4 E-Tech electric, and Renault Clio were all recognised for their outstanding qualities, reflecting Renault’s commitment to delivering practical, enjoyable, and technologically […]

Renault Sweeps Three Major Awards at Company Car & Van Awards 2026
59
3
ArticleJanuary 19, 2026

Renault Sweeps Three Major Awards at Company Car & Van Awards 2026

Renault has reinforced its leadership in both commercial and passenger electric vehicles, claiming three prestigious accolades at the Company Car & Van Awards 2026. The Renault Master E-Tech electric was named overall ‘Van of the Year 2026’, while the diesel-powered Renault Master retained its crown as ‘Large Van of the Year’ for the second consecutive […]

Renault Filante Signals a Bold Return to the Premium Global Stage
67
602
ArticleJanuary 13, 2026

Renault Filante Signals a Bold Return to the Premium Global Stage

Renault has lifted the curtain on a new flagship that does far more than introduce a single model. The Renault Filante marks the brand’s strategic return to the premium segment and plays a central role in its 2027 International Game Plan, reinforcing Renault’s ambitions across Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Positioned as a global […]

Renault Dominates Electric Van Awards with Master E-Tech and Trafic E-Tech
38
2,855
ArticleJanuary 12, 2026

Renault Dominates Electric Van Awards with Master E-Tech and Trafic E-Tech

Renault has solidified its position at the forefront of electric light commercial vehicles, claiming two honours at the inaugural Van Reviewer Awards. The Renault Master E-Tech electric was crowned ‘Best Large Electric Van’, while the forthcoming Renault Trafic Van E-Tech electric – the brand’s first-ever Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) – earned the ‘Best Van to […]