Protean Electric to Open Prototype Facility in China

CEO Robert Purcell tells AutoTech Daily that in-wheel electric motor developer Protean Electric Inc. will open a small plant at an undisclosed location in China to make demonstration prototypes.

Purcell, who once headed electric vehicle operations at General Motors Co., says Protean chose China because of the country's strong commitment to electric vehicles.

The U.K.-based company is showcasing its technology in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid sedan at this week's SAE World Congress in Detroit. The test vehicle's drivetrain consists of a 2.2-liter diesel engine and direct-drive Protean motors in each of the rear wheels. Protean says its technology enables piston-powered vehicles to be turned into hybrids without costly changes to the chassis, body and transmission.

The company's direct-drive motors use a stack of eight discs to make up a central armature that is mounted on the suspension. Permanent magnets fit inside the wheel hub. The resulting motor, which adds about 31 kg (68 lbs) of unsprung weight to each wheel, requires no gearing. Protean says its motor can deliver 110 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Purcell tells ATD the company's motors are designed to be easily retrofitted to vehicles equipped with 18- to 24-inch diameter wheels. He notes that earlier development work with Lotus Engineering showed the technology could be adapted to large cars and light-duty trucks with minor suspension modifications.

Protean points out that its system eliminates the need for driveshafts, gearboxes and differentials, thus reducing powertrain losses. The company also notes that each motor can be controlled independently to provide exceptional vehicle dynamics control.

The first production applications may be for local delivery trucks that operate in city centers where piston-powered traffic is restricted. The company is working with several associated suppliers to prepare for high-volume production. The latest additions are FEV (engineering), AB Mikroelektronik (electronics), Alcon (brakes), ATD (manufacturing), Mahle (powertrain) and Trelleborg (seals).

Purcell was vice president of global planning, sales and strategic alliances for GM Powertrain when he retired in 2008. He joined Protean two years later.