Protean Electric

About Protean Electric

Protean Electric is an automotive technology company specializing in in-wheel motor (IWM) systems for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and future transport solutions. The company was founded in 2009, emerging from the administration of PML Flightlink to focus exclusively on automotive in-wheel technology. Its development builds on expertise from a predecessor business involved in motor development for over five decades. In November 2021, Protean Electric was acquired by BEDEO, a sustainable transport technology group, from its former parent National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), a subsidiary of Evergrande Group. The company's core product is the ProteanDrive, a fully integrated, direct-drive in-wheel motor system. This design combines the motor, inverter, and control electronics into a single package that fits within the wheel, alongside a compatible friction brake. This eliminates the need for traditional drivetrain components such as gears, differentials, and driveshafts, thereby reducing vehicle weight and freeing up significant space for new vehicle designs or increased battery capacity. Key benefits for vehicle manufacturers include simplified assembly, lower manufacturing costs, and greater design freedom. For drivers, the technology provides improved torque response, better handling through torque vectoring, and increased efficiency, leading to greater range and reduced running costs. Protean Electric targets its technology at automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fleet operators, and developers of autonomous vehicles. The company has engaged in multiple partnerships, including supplying IWMs for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E and Local Motors' Olli 2.0 autonomous shuttle. Recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2012, Protean holds an extensive intellectual property portfolio with over 330 patents across 75 patent families. The company operates globally with an engineering center in the UK, a manufacturing facility in China, and a production facility in Turkey.