Farnham, UK – 27 August 2024 – In a significant leap for automotive technology, UK-based Protean Electric has announced that its latest innovation, the ProteanDrive Generation 5 (Gen 5) in-wheel motor (IWM), has successfully completed its rigorous validation programme. This milestone confirms the Gen 5’s industry-leading peak torque of 1500 Nm, achieved within an 18-inch wheel, setting a new benchmark for in-wheel motor performance.
The Gen 5 ProteanDrive IWM (Pd18 Gen5) represents the culmination of extensive testing and development. Protean Electric rigorously tested over 80 units of the Pd18 Gen5 through 64 distinct test programmes, ensuring the motor meets all relevant legislation, regulation, and OEM standards. This comprehensive validation underscores Protean’s commitment to delivering a product that not only excels in performance but also adheres to the highest industry standards.
Designed, tested, and manufactured by Protean, the Pd18 Gen5 is a testament to over 15 years of engineering expertise. With a combined 700 person-years of IWM development experience, the Pd18 Gen5 stands out for its impressive durability and safety features. It is engineered to meet 15 years and 300,000 km of durability requirements, enduring harsh conditions such as wading, pothole impacts, and severe environmental challenges. Furthermore, the Pd18 Gen5 is validated to ISO26262 as a Safety Element Out of Context, addressing ASIL-D hazards—an industry first for in-wheel motors.
Stephen Lambert, Chief Technology Officer at Protean Electric, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “In-wheel motors are proving to be a pivotal, enabling technology for the next generation of EVs. Much like the early electric vehicles, a robust testing and validation framework is crucial. Our extensive investment in testing ensures that the Gen 5 IWM can withstand severe shocks, vibrations, thermal cycles, and environmental contaminants, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable and durable future across diverse transportation solutions.”
Manufactured at Protean’s state-of-the-art facility in Tianjin, China, and bearing IATF 16949 certification, the Gen 5 Pd18 marks the beginning of large-scale industrialisation for one of the most advanced and mature IWM products available today. Protean is collaborating with various OEMs and aftermarket sectors, with plans to scale up production in line with growing demand and application versatility.
The modular design of the Pd18 Gen5 allows for rapid development of new product variations with reduced risk. The motor offers both integrated and detached inverters, with 400Vdc versions available now and 800Vdc models expected by the end of 2024.
Protean Electric will showcase the Gen 5 Pd18 at the Cenex Expo 2024, held at UTAC Millbrook, UK, from September 4th to 5th. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with key members of the Protean leadership team at the UK Government Pavilion, gaining insights into the future of in-wheel motor technology.
For more information about Protean Electric and the Gen 5 Pd18, please visit Protean Electric’s website or join us at the Cenex Expo 2024.
