Protean Electric, an automotive start-up is paving way towards revolutionizing electric cars with its in-wheel motor design. Beijing roads will first experience this radical technology. Like the EcoMotors, Protean Electric’s preferred the East Asia since the government is very supportive towards technology that evangelizes fuel efficiency and air quality.
In-Wheel Motor Concept
Generally, central motor in an electric vehicle is under bonnet that transmits power down to the rotating shaft, which further sends torque to the axels. But in the Protean system, small motors, which is responsible for creating power, is infused within the wheels. This mechanism would not allow for any loss of energy which otherwise would have been while transmission.
These gearless motors have shown a remarkable 1000Nm of torque each with respect to Chevy Volt that is 370Nm. The figures clearly show, the engine fabricated by the Protean system has more potential relatively.
Both the power and control electronics are embedded into the wheel space, weighing it around 34kgs, which makes it fitting for plug-in hybrids and electric automobiles.
A standard commuter car may have two such motors whereas a heavy-duty automobile may have a motor tucked in each wheels.
Protean Electric’s system
It was in 1900, when the first in-wheel motor concept was made. But the initial conception were far from providing higher power in the limited space of wheels consequent upon which it couldn’t resist vibration and other harsh environment of the roads. However, the external road pressure is one of the main factors, which has been kept in mind while fabricating the Protean Electric’s system.
Sheldon Williamson from Concordia University is positive about the evolved motor system but at the same time, is skeptic about its immediate acceptance. He asserted that synchronization with in-wheels motors requires utmost coordination with complex control system, a technology which, he thinks might require another decade to work substantially. Neither is he supportive from economical point of view.
To which Whitehead form the Protean motors rebutted that he agrees with Williamson but there are ways in which the in-wheel system can make simpler controls. For instance, the new technology can demonstrate torque vectoring, which means, it has the ability of providing different power to each wheel as per the requirement. Initially it was seen in racecars but lately, the technology has ventured into the all wheel drive automobiles.
Protean Electric is positive that its motors will find a place within the Chinese automobile market. Domestic market in China is already struggling with foreign brands for gaining the pie, and with the new EV technology, they can definitely gain an upper hand.
