Dongfeng Motor (DFM) has unveiled two new passenger cars equipped with ProteanDrive Pd18 in-wheel motors, marking a milestone in the development of electric vehicle (EV) technology. The vehicles, showcased at a ceremony in Wuxi, China, were jointly developed by DFM and Weifu Electric Drive Technology (WFDT), a joint venture between Weifu and Protean Electric. The launch of the Dongfeng Fengshen E70 and Voyah Zhuiguang is the latest outcome of the partnership between DFM and Protean, which has been ongoing since 2016.
The E70, one of the bestselling passenger vehicles in China, is a battery-electric vehicle with front-wheel drive from a central motor and all-wheel drive from two ProteanDrive Pd18 in-wheel motors in the 4WD version. Each Pd18 has a peak power of 78 kW and peak torque of 1250 NĀ·m. The E70’s ProteanDrive system has enabled torque vectoring, providing an 18% increase in cornering speed under extreme driving conditions and improving the dynamics, maneuverability, and active safety of the vehicle. It has also reduced the number of parts in the vehicle by 83%, resulting in a lighter and more efficient all-wheel drive option than e-axle models, with increased storage space of 50% and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time reduced by 42%.
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DFM successfully homologated the E70 as the worldās first passenger car driven by in-wheel motors in December 2022, following successful completion of crash impact, mud, salt spray, high and low temperature, icing, winter, and accelerated durability testing. The initial batch of vehicles will now complete extensive fleet trials, including a road-trip from Wuhan to Wuxi.
The Voyah Zhuiguang, equipped with Pd18 systems, is Dongfengās latest dedicated EV brand for the premium market. The Zhuiguang is the first sedan product of the Voyah brand, a flagship luxury electric vehicle. The launch of the E70 and Voyah Zhuiguang marks a significant step forward for EV technology, and reflects the ongoing commitment of DFM, Weifu, and Protean to innovation and sustainability.
As Dr. Herbert Demel, Chairman of the Management Board of Protean Electric, noted: “The world’s first fully homologated passenger car equipped with ProteanDrive and the first flagship luxury electric vehicle of the Voyah brand are milestones in the electric vehicle industry. ProteanDrive provides unparalleled performance and efficiency, and we are proud to be a key partner in the development of these groundbreaking vehicles.”
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These new models are expected to have a significant impact on the EV market, not just in China, but globally. As the world continues to shift toward sustainability and renewable energy, innovative technologies like ProteanDrive in-wheel motors are sure to play a major role in shaping the future of transportation.
