Renault Group and Protean Electric – a developer of in-wheel motors (IWM) – have announced that the Renault brand will use Protean as the supplier of IWMs on its electric mini-supercar, Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
They say it will be the first European passenger car to enter production fitted with in-wheel motors.
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Renault says the ‘re-birth of the Renault 5 Turbo’ has been facilitated by an IWM drive system.
Developed in two years, Protean’s IWM system produces 555 hp, delivering power directly to the rear wheels for acceleration of 0-62 mph in under 3.5 seconds.
Philippe Krief, Chief Executive Officer of the Alpine brand said: “The team has been working hard to offer to enthusiasts a retro road supercar with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. One of the key unique selling points is the in-wheel motors that we have developed together with Protean, who offered us the world leading IWM technology for this exciting project. We are delighted to be working with them to deliver the legacy of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, in all-electric form.”
Andrew Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer at Protean Electric, added: “We are thrilled to see Protean’s in-wheel motor technology being integrated into such an iconic vehicle as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This collaboration represents a significant milestone the future of vehicle electrification as it shows clearly in-wheel motors have no limits. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Renault Group as they seek to use in-wheel motors to deliver better electric vehicles for their customers.“
More details of the project will be shared during the 2026 International Vienna Motor Symposium where both companies will present papers on the vehicle and powertrain development.
