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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • LED emergency floodlight
    January 27, 2012
    A new floodlight combining maintenance-free LED technology and a self-contained backup battery has been introduced by hazardous area lighting specialist Chalmit Lighting. The Solas is designed for use in both Zone 1 hazardous areas and harsh marine environments.
    Read More
  • On a WIM – a global view of weigh in motion
    May 25, 2016
    Q-Free’s Andrew Lees looks at regional characteristics and technology trends in the global Weigh-In-Motion market. The principles of Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) are well established. Data derived from vehicles passing over in-ground sensors can be interpreted for vehicle classification (axle counts and spacing) and positive identification (especially when linked to image capture) applications as well as to derive individual axle and gross vehicle weight (GVW).
    Read More
  • Webasto to unveil EV charging solutions at CES 2018, Las Vegas
    December 22, 2017
    Aftermarket equipment manufacturer Webasto will unveil a full-service electric vehicle (EV) charging program adapted to the specifications of car manufacturers as well as retrofit solutions at CES 2018, In Las Vegas. The Level-2 charging stations are designed with the intention of delivering a reliable service for markets in North America, Europe and China.
    Read More
  • EU sets emissions targets to 2030, richer countries bear the burden
    July 22, 2016
    The UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) and FIA Europe have welcomed the European Commission’s package of measures, presented this week, to accelerate the transition to low carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy in Europe. The EU says the measures set clear and fair guiding principles to Member States to prepare for the future and keep Europe competitive. Responding to the announcement, the FTA said that the proposed measures are a step in the right direction to reducing freight carbon e
    Read More

Highlighted Content