Dongfeng claims world’s first passenger cars with in-wheel motors

Chinese automaker Dongfeng has launched a production model with in-wheel motors from supplier Protean Electric.

In press releases, Protean claims the Dongfeng Fengshen E70 is the “world’s first fully homologated passenger car” equipped with two ProteanDrive in-wheel motors. A conventional inboard motor drives the front wheels, while the in-wheel motors power the rear wheels, enabling all-wheel drive. Each rear in-wheel motor produces up to 104 hp.

According to Protean, Dongfeng has 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 0-62 mph time 42% quicker, and 18% higher cornering speeds thanks to the torque-vectoring capability of the in-wheel motors. Protean also claims increased efficiency, and 83 fewer parts than a comparable inboard motor setup.

The initial batch of Dongfeng Fengshen E70 sedans are undergoing “fleet trials” in China, according to Protean. Dongfeng has also unveiled a second model with in-wheel motors, the Voyah Zhuiguang, a luxury sedan from the company’s Voyah brand.

There’s been a lot of interest in in-wheel motors but relatively low-volume use so far. Lightyear claimed its 0 had the most efficient production powertrain in the world but it’s already scrapped production. The Lordstown Endurance also used them, but production of that vehicle has stalled as well

. That leaves Aptera, which also plans to use in-wheel motors for its three-wheeler—although it will be an autocycle, not a passenger vehicle.

That said, mass-produced in-wheel motors for cars have been on the horizon for some time. And perhaps racing tech

—and the threat of the a newcomer from China—will help get them there.