Protean Electric Gets VW Deal For In-Wheel Motor Propulsion System
AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) -- Protean Electric Thursday announced a partnership with China's FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. Ltd. to develop an all new electric propulsion system that will include Protean Electric's award-winning Protean Drive with intent towards a demonstration vehicle program and production.
FAW-VW, a joint venture between FAW Group Corporation, a Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturing company and Volkswagen Group,will create an all-new rear-wheel drivetrain for an electric vehicle based on the new Bora compact sedan, utilizing two Protean in-wheel motors.
This cooperation began several months ago and so all bench testing, engineering calibration and on site application support is expected to be completed within a year. Protean Electric will also assist FAW-VW in the development of safety and vehicle controls that can be applied to additional vehicle programs.
"Our involvement with this prestigious automaker shows that Protean Electric is continuing to serve as a valuable resource for OEMs as they develop new energy vehicle programs," said Kwok-yin Chan, CEO of Protean Holdings Corp. "This is a two-phase project that will capitalize on the torque and packaging freedoms that Protean Drive can bring to an automaker. Our technology will return the space to the new Bora vehicle platform that was formerly occupied by an in-board motor and powertrain."
The motors reside in the space behind the wheel, producing torque and power exactly where and when drivers need it. Protean's new production motor provides the highest torque and power density of any leading electric propulsion system. Each in-wheel motor comes with its own power and control electronics packaged inside the motor, which communicates with the vehicle by utilizing a common vehicle control system.
Features of Protean's in-wheel motors include:
* 100 hp (75 kw) peak power
* The highest torque density of any of today's leading electric drive systems
* A weight of only 75 pounds per motor
* Power and control electronics packaged inside the motor
* Superior regenerative braking capabilities, which allow up to 85 percent of the available kinetic energy to be recovered during braking
* Fits within a conventional 18-inch road wheel
In addition, Protean has developed multiple vehicles with various global OEMs for demonstration in the US, Europe and China.
Protean has been awarded 33 patents for its technology and design, with 101 additional international patent applications pending.
More at www.proteanelectric.com.
FAW-VW us based in Changchun, Jilin Province. It celebrated its 20th anniversary Aug. 15 by producing its millionth car.
caption: Protean Electric is an award-winning technology company that has developed an in-wheel electric drive system for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric light-duty vehicles. The Protean Drive(TM) system can improve vehicle fuel economy, add torque, increase power and enable improved vehicle handling to both new and existing vehicles. (PRNewsFoto/Protean Electric)
