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.
![Voyah Zhuiguang Voyah Zhuiguang](https://world-of-cars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/dongfeng-claims-worlds-first-passenger-cars-with-in-wheel-motors.jpg)
Voyah Zhuiguang
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.