Chinese automaker Dongfeng has launched a production model featuring in-wheel motors from supplier Protean Electric.
Protean claims that the Dongfeng Fengshen E70 is the “world’s first fully homologated passenger car” equipped with two ProteanDrive in-wheel motors. A conventional inner motor powers the front wheels, while the in-wheel motors drive the rear wheels, enabling all-wheel drive. Each in-wheel motor at the rear produces up to 104 horsepower.
According to Protean, Dongfeng found that this configuration is lighter than a conventional all-wheel-drive EV setup. The companies also claim a 50% increase in storage space, a 42% faster 0 to 62 mph time, and 18% higher cornering speeds due to the torque vectoring capability of the in-wheel motors. Protean also claims higher efficiency and 83 fewer parts than a comparable inboard motor setup.
The initial batch of Dongfeng Fengshen E70 sedans is undergoing “fleet testing” in China, according to Protean. Dongfeng also introduced a second model with in-wheel motors, the Voyah Zhuiguang, a luxury sedan from the company’s Voyah brand.
While there has been significant interest in in-wheel motors, they have been used in relatively low volumes so far. Lightyear claimed to have the world’s most efficient production powertrain with in-wheel motors, but it has since abandoned production. The Lordstown Endurance also used them, but production of that vehicle has stalled. That leaves Aptera, which also plans to use in-wheel motors for its three-wheeled vehicle, although it will be a autocycle, not a passenger car.
That said, in-wheel motors for mass-produced cars have been on the horizon for some time. Perhaps racing technology, and the threat from a new entrant from China, will help them get there.
