Protean Electric has collaborated with US-based SKF to supply components for the company's in-wheel electric drive system, which is scheduled to start production by 2013 in Liyang China.
The companies have inked a five year agreement on the wheel bearing system with integrated sealing and sensors that manipulates the performance of the in-wheel motor, developed by SKF specifically for Protean Electric.
Protean Electric CEO, chairman Bob Purcell said that the company believes their in-wheel electric drive system will enable the transformation of the global auto industry.
"Only SKF can supply a bearing to meet the requirements for our unique in-wheel electric drive system," Purcell said.
Protean's in-wheel offers fuel economy increase of up to 30% based on battery size, while generating 81kW (110hp) and 800Nm (590lbft) in each motor.
The motor can be fitted in the 18inch road wheel and allows regenerative braking with up to 85% of the available kinetic energy to be recovered during braking.
