UK-based Protean Electric’s new ProteanDrive Generation 5 (Pd18 Gen5) in-wheel motor (IWM) has completed its full validation program and can now boast industry-leading peak torque of 1500 Nm in an 18-inch IWM. Pd18 Gen5 is developed and validated for mainstream automotive applications, meeting 15 years and 300,000 km durability requirements.
The Gen 5 ProteanDrive IWM (Pd18 Gen5) has completed its extensive integrated validation programme covering all applicable legislation, regulation, and OEM standards applicable to the IWM. In this process, Protean tested over 80 IWMs, running through 64 test programmes. In turn, Protean can also announce that its Pd18 Gen5 now delivers 1500 Nm peak torque, which sets a new industry standard for the performance of an IWM, fitting in an 18-inch wheel with an integrated inverter.
Designed, tested, and manufactured by Protean, the Pd18 Gen5 encapsulates over 15 years of learning, drawing on the collective knowledge of its engineering talent who, combined now have over 700 person-years of IWM development experience.
Pd18 Gen5 is developed and validated for mainstream automotive applications, meeting 15 years and 300,000 km durability requirements. In doing so Protean has validated all environment durability requirements put upon IWMs, such as wading, pothole impact and other harsh conditions seen in the wheel. Pd18 Gen5 is designed and validated to ISO26262 as a Safety Element Out of Context, including mitigating ASIL-D hazards – an impressive first for IWMs. As a result, Protean has also set a second industry benchmark for IWM maturity and validation.
Produced from Protean’s manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, with IATF 16949 certification, the IWM leader showcases the beginning of a full-scale industrialization of the most advanced and mature IWM product available globally today. Currently Protean works with a range of OEMs and aftermarket applications, with the ability to scale growth as the application grows in popularity and versatility.
Recognizing the depth and adaptability of Protean’s Gen 5 Pd18, the team has designed the IWM in a modular configuration, which leads to faster development of new product variations at lower risk. This includes offering integrated and detached inverters, with 400Vdc lead products available now, with 800Vdc products by the end of 2024.
“In-wheel motors are proving to be a pivotal, enabling technology for the next generation of EVs. However, much like the first EVs, there needs to be a testing and validation rulebook set out. As an industry, much has been discussed about the design and validation challenges of in-wheel motors, particularly the demands of reliability and durability due to the harshest installation environments. Looking to the future, our team has invested heavily in our test and validation procedures to ensure that the Gen 5 IWM, exposed to severe shock, vibration, thermal cycle, sand, dust, water, and chemical contamination, is designed to last and do the distance, securing a net-zero future across multiple vehicles and transport solutions.”
Stephen Lambert, Chief Technology Officer of Protean Electric
