Protean In-Wheel Motors Powers Solar-Powered Vehicle

December 16, 2023

Solar Team Eindhoven, a group from the Eindhoven University of Technology, has recently unveiled Stella Terra, a solar-powered vehicle capable of both on and off-road travel, which uses Protean’s in-wheel motors. The vehicle, powered by multiple solar panels on its roof, can reach a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h), weighs 1,200 kg (1.2 tonnes), and can travel at least 440 miles (710 km) on a sunny day.

In-wheel motors, (aka hub motors), offer several advantages to vehicles. They allow for superior packaging by eliminating a central drivetrain, creating more space for batteries, which is crucial for a solar vehicle. The energy provided by the solar panels and the battery storage on the car is so substantial that it can supply enough electricity for cooking and charging devices such as a phone or camera.

Protean’s in-wheel motors were selected for Stella Terra due to their performance relative to their size and weight, and the integrated inverter resulted in significant time savings during the design and testing phase. The motors, which weigh only 75 kg in a total vehicle mass of 1200 kg, not only improved the car’s efficiency but also made energy consumption more efficient. The project manager for SolarTeam noted a 65% reduction in the time needed to implement the drivetrain compared to previous projects.

Niels, SolarTeam’s Electrical Engineer, praised the collaboration with Protean, stating, “We had scheduled a week to test the Protean PD18 in combination with our drivetrain controller on a test bench, but thanks to the outstanding design and datasheets, we were able to perform all these tests in just one day.”

Stella Terra completed a challenging expedition through Morocco and the Sahara, covering over 1000 kilometers across various terrains. The vehicle’s performance remained consistent, even in extreme desert heat and steep 20-degree slopes. The efficient cooling system integrated into the Protean motors was crucial in maintaining peak performance throughout the journey. The ProteanDrive in-wheel motors, with a peak power of 90 kW and peak torque of 1400 Nm, provided the power and reliability necessary for off-road adventures.

ProteanDrive is currently in low-volume production and ready to meet immediate demand for automotive and industrial applications. ProteanDrive motor designs can be further optimized for customer solutions, including improving power and torque, packaging, and weight optimization.