AUBURN HILLS, MI – Protean Electric’s advanced in-wheel electric drive has been named one of the 10 Most Promising Technologies for 2013 by Car and Driver magazine.

"Integrating the propulsion system with the wheel hubs will enable designers and engineers to achieve major gains in packaging efficiency, fuel economy and, potentially, performance," said Don Sherman, Car and Driver's technical director. "We expect Protean Electric, the leader in this field, to help manufacturers implement this technology."

“This recognition indicates that the industry is no longer thinking of ‘if,’ but ‘when’ in-wheel motors will be commonly used across a wide range of vehicles. And we believe that when is now,” said Protean Electric Chairman and CEO Bob Purcell.

Features of Protean's in-wheel motors include:

• Fuel economy improvements up to 30 percent depending on battery size.

• Highest torque density.

• 81 kW (110 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb.-ft. torque) in each motor.

• Weight of only 31 kg (68 lbs.) per motor.

• Fits within the space of a conventional 18-inch road wheel.

• Regenerative braking capabilities that allow up to 85 percent of the available kinetic energy to be recovered during braking.

In addition, Protean has developed multiple demonstration vehicles, including a Ford F-150 pickup truck, Volvo C30, Vauxhall Vivaro cargo van, Guangzhou Automobile Company Trumpchi, and BRABUS full electric and hybrid vehicles, based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.