Authors

A. Whitehead, S. Lambert, R. Ford, R. Lewin, Protean Electric Ltd, Surrey

Year

2026

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

In-wheel motors (IWMs) offer a compelling solution for high-performance applications, delivering superior torque vectoring, packaging flexibility, and drivetrain efficiency. Protean Electric have successfully developed the highest performance in-wheel motor powertrain ever for a reimagined classic vehicle. Under significant time pressure, Protean has collaborated with a major European OEM to bring the first production vehicle to use in-wheel motors to the market.

This paper will explore the technical challenges of developing and integrating IWMs into high-performance vehicles under accelerated schedules. It will examine key enablers such as modular architectures, simulation-led design, rapid prototyping, and supplier collaboration. The real-world case study will highlight the challenges involved, and the trade-offs between performance, reliability and time-to-market and will highlight how Protean overcame these challenges and produced an in-wheel motor system that meets the performance, thermal and NVH challenges associated with a compact and high-performance vehicle.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-5-6

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/3b49-e5wm Copy link

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