Exedy Subsidiary Protean Electric Collaborates with Renault to Begin World's First Mass Production and Sales of In-Wheel Motors for European Passenger Cars

Exedy Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Neyagawa City, Osaka; Representative Director and President: Tetsuya Yoshinaga) (hereinafter, Exedy) announces that the in-wheel motors for passenger cars developed by its consolidated subsidiary, Protean Electric Ltd. (Headquarters: Farnham, Surrey, UK; CEO: Andrew Whitehead) (hereinafter, Protean), will be installed in the "Renault 5 Turbo 3E" manufactured by the major French automaker Renault S.A. (Headquarters: Boulogne-Billancourt, France; CEO: Luca de Meo) (hereinafter, Renault), with sales commencing in 2027.

This is a world-first achievement where in-wheel motors will be standard equipment in a mass-produced passenger car manufactured by a major automaker, marking a new chapter in the electrification of the automotive industry.

"Renault 5 Turbo 3E" equipped with Protean's in-wheel motors

Installation in "Renault 5 Turbo 3E" and Technical Superiority

The "Renault 5 Turbo 3E" is a high-performance electric mini supercar that revives Renault's iconic model for the modern era. Protean has met the high power and torque requirements of this vehicle with its "Protean Drive" in-wheel motor (IWM) technology.

Developed in just two years, Protean's IWM system produces 555 horsepower and achieves 0-62mph (approx. 100km/h) acceleration in under 3.5 seconds. By placing motors directly in each wheel, vehicle design flexibility is enhanced, achieving excellent driving performance and efficient energy regeneration. This IWM delivers high power and high torque in a compact package, maximizing EV performance.

Protean's In-Wheel Motor Technology Paving the Way for Next-Generation Mobility

Protean, which became an Exedy subsidiary in March 2026, is a leading company in the development, manufacturing, and sales of in-wheel motors that integrate drive motors into wheels. Its advanced technology contributes to dramatic improvements in vehicle control and dynamic performance, expanded design freedom, innovation in drive systems, and solutions for control integration challenges in Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). The adoption by Renault is a testament to Protean's technical superiority being recognized globally.

Features of Protean's In-Wheel Motors

They provide drivers with an unprecedented comfortable and safe mobility experience, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

- Improved Power Efficiency Direct drive, which eliminates the need for gears and shafts, significantly reduces power transmission loss. This enables highly efficient driving and contributes to extending the cruising range of EVs. - Exceptional Vehicle Dynamics Independent and highly responsive control of each wheel achieves both high driving stability and excellent maneuverability and safety. - Expanded Living Space and Design Freedom By integrating the drive unit within the tire, cabin space is significantly expanded. This broadens the possibilities for future mobility design.

Comment from Protean CEO Andrew Whitehead

"We are delighted that Protean's in-wheel motor technology will be incorporated into an iconic vehicle like the 'Renault 5 Turbo 3E'. This collaboration clearly demonstrates that there are no limits to in-wheel motors and marks a significant milestone in the future of vehicle electrification. We look forward to continuing our partnership as the Renault Group utilizes in-wheel motors to provide customers with superior electric vehicles."

Exedy's Future Strategy to Lead the In-Wheel Motor Market

In-wheel motors, due to their innovativeness, are hailed as the "key to next-generation EVs," and the industry's attention is growing, as evidenced by the upcoming international conference "International Symposium on In-Wheel Motor 2025 (ISIWM2025)."

Starting with the adoption in the "Renault 5 Turbo 3E," Exedy will further accelerate the widespread adoption of in-wheel motor technology. By fusing Protean's advanced electrical and control development technology with Exedy's long-cultivated core technologies in powertrain components (friction, vibration, fluid), quality, customer base, and global network expertise, Exedy will continue to create and provide "products that make the movement of people and goods comfortable" under its corporate philosophy of "Creating Joy."

About Protean Electric Ltd.

Headquarters: Farnham, Surrey, UK

Representative: Mr. Andrew John Graham Whitehead

Business Activities: In-wheel motors