Multiple patents granted for in-wheel electric drive

Protean Electric, a specialist in advanced in-wheel motors for the automotive industry, has been awarded 17 patents for the unique technology and design of its Protean Drive system. More than 60 additional patent applications have been filed internationally and with specific countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Protean Electric chairman and CEO Bob Purcell says his company’s in-wheel motor design is unlike conventional motors or combustion powertrains with electric motors added. "We started with a c
March 22, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

4173 Protean Electric, a specialist in advanced in-wheel motors for the automotive industry, has been awarded 17 patents for the unique technology and design of its Protean Drive system. More than 60 additional patent applications have been filed internationally and with specific countries in North America, Europe and Asia.

Protean Electric chairman and CEO Bob Purcell says his company’s in-wheel motor design is unlike conventional motors or combustion powertrains with electric motors added. "We started with a clean sheet and designed motors specifically for in-wheel applications," he said.

Protean claims its in-wheel motors have the highest torque density of any of today's leading electric propulsion systems. Each in-wheel motor can deliver 81 kW (110 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft), yet weighs only 31 kg (68 lbs.) and is sized to fit within the space of a conventional 18-inch road wheel. It is also claimed the drive also has superior regenerative braking capabilities, which allow up to 85 per cent of the available kinetic energy to be recovered during braking.

The company states its Protean Drive can increase fuel economy by over 30 per cent depending on the battery size and driving cycle. It is also powerful enough to be the only source for traction on a variety of vehicles.

Patents protecting Protean's innovations in technology and design already have been awarded in the United Kingdom and the United States. The company has filed additional patents in Europe, China, Malaysia, Japan, and India.

Related Content

  • April 25, 2012
    Largest electric bus fleet in world nears
    BYD, manufacturer of the first long-range (300+ km), all-electric bus has been selected as the sole eBus provider for the 2011 International Universiade Games which will be held in Shenzhen, China. The company will deliver over 300 eBus-12 units by this coming August. After the Universiade Games, they will be will be incorporated into Shenzhen’s city bus fleet, creating the largest all-electric bus fleet in the world.
    Read More
  • April 13, 2017
    Lithium batteries market and electric vehicles
    According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, the global lithium-ion battery market is expected to generate revenue of US$46.21 billion by 2022, with a CAGR of 10.8 per cent during the forecast period (2016-2022). The report indicates that the market for these batteries is expected to witness notable growth because of their increasing application in the automotive sector. Additional key factors contributing to the increasing demand of lithium is the growing use of portable electronic dev
    Read More
  • December 1, 2015
    VW scandal prompts emissions testing debate
    In the wake of the VW scandal John Kendall looks at emissions testing on both sides of the Atlantic. Since the VW emissions story broke in September, emissions testing has come under greater scrutiny, and none more so than in Europe, where critics have long been highlighting the weaknesses of the testing system. Ironically, changes to the emissions testing process were already under review but the story has pushed it up the agenda.
    Read More
  • May 13, 2016
    Scania delivers hybrid buses to Madrid
    As part of its measures to reduce pollution in the city, the City of Madrid is to take delivery of 51 hybridised Scania Citywide buses in June. These feature cost-saving and emission-reducing hybrid technology that meets the EU suburban and short distance Class II regulations. Madrid recently enforced tough temporary measures to tackle pollution, including limiting speed limits and banning passenger car access to the city centre if nitrogen oxide levels exceed acceptable levels. In parallel, the Madrid t
    Read More

Highlighted Content