Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor (DFM) has announced the world’s first series production passenger vehicle that utilizes Protean Electric’s in-wheel electric motors. The Dongfeng Fengshen E70, which is one of China’s most popular passenger cars and is an electric vehicle (EV) with a single front-mounted electric motor, has now been upgraded with two ProteanDrive Pd18 in-wheel motors for the rear wheels, transforming the vehicle into an all-wheel-drive sedan.
The ProteanDrive Pd18 in-wheel motor is capable of producing a peak power output of 78 kilowatts (104 horsepower) and a peak torque of 922 pound-feet (1,250 Newton-meters), providing more than enough power for daily use. Additionally, the use of two motors at the rear enables torque vectoring, resulting in increased efficiency and better handling.
Dongfeng says that using two ProteanDrive motors instead of a conventional electric axle makes the all-wheel-drive E70 lighter and more efficient, with 50% more storage space and a 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) acceleration time reduced by 42%.
Protean Electric, a UK-based startup founded in 2008, specializes in developing in-wheel electric motors. The latest, fourth-generation motor capable of outputting a maximum torque of 922 lb-ft (1,250 Nm) was revealed in 2015 and is now being used in the Dongfeng E70.
The Dongfeng E70 has passed all homologation tests, including crash testing, and received its certificate in December 2022. The first batch of vehicles will perform extensive fleet trials in the coming months.
During the E70 reveal event, Dongfeng Motor also introduced a second vehicle that uses ProteanDrive Pd18 motors called Voyah Zhuiguang.
While the Dongfeng E70 is not the first EV to use in-wheel electric motors, it is the first series production passenger vehicle to utilize the technology. The Lordstown Endurance pickup and the upcoming Aptera solar EV are two other examples of EVs with in-wheel electric motors.
Protean Electric was acquired by NEVS/Evergrande in 2019 and then by UK-based company BEDEO in 2021. The company specializes in converting small commercial vehicles and passenger cars to all-electric powertrains.
The introduction of in-wheel electric motors in the Dongfeng E70 represents a significant milestone in the development of electric vehicles, as it improves efficiency and provides better handling. With the rising demand for EVs, it is expected that more manufacturers will follow suit and integrate in-wheel electric motors into their vehicles.
