Electric Cars Facts

Posts Tagged ‘protean’

Though the market is still in its initial stage, the idea of electric trucks may be the next big frontier for mass manufactured hybrid vehicles. Electric motors are well known for their extreme torque and thus are ideal for moving heavy loads, such as on truck beds. With a truck, there’s also plenty of space to store large batteries and other heavy duty components without affecting driveability.

Last year, Protean Electric, formerly known as PML Flightlink, converted a 2009 Ford F150, one of the country’s most iconic American truck models, into an all-electric drive for the SEMA Show. Unlike other standard electric vehicles, the company’s remake of the F150 includes in-wheel electric motors that are extremely powerful.

Through their technology, Protean was able to create an in-wheel electric motor unit that’s essentially eight motors in one. Segmented magnets are situated on the exterior of the truck, while the stator is a new integration into the stock version. Another key component to the electric F150’s power lies within its eight identical inverter motor controllers, each capable of switching on and off independently. This feature gives the EV maximum power and torque.

Because of this approach, the electric F150 is more easily reparable. Protean has also designed its motors as a modular bolt-on system, which makes it less of a hassle to swap the bearing on the integrated mechanical brake and motor. Yet another modification to the truck is Protean’s decision to remove the factory rear axle and replace it with a more suitable hollow beam axle. Again, this takes a decent chunk of weight off of the vehicle and improves gear reduction.

By integrating unique EV elements into the existing 2008 Ford F150 model, Protean was successful in increasing the power, reliability, and control of the vehicle. It also substantially reduces weight and, of course, is a lot more eco-friendly than its non-electric counterpart.

Have you heard of any other electric car experiments that help to advance the EV movement?