This new in-wheel motor can produce up to 1,106lb ft of torque *per wheel*

It’s no surprise that in-wheel motor (IWM) technology is developing. It’ll likely lead to a big jump in electric car efficiency and performance in the not-so-distant future, with one of the primary characteristics being substantial torque reserves. Take this for instance: the new ‘Pd18’ Generation 5 IWM by UK-based Protean Electric.

Protean has now concluded testing and reckons it can deliver as much as 1,106lb ft of torque through 18in wheels. For some perspective, Merc’s wild, tyre-destroying SL 65 Black Series produces around 738lb ft of torque in total. The Pd18 would make almost exactly 1.5 times that amount. Per wheel.

To gain approval to begin with, Protean had to prove its IWM could meet durability requirements equivalent to around 15 years (or 186,000 miles) worth of use. That involved heavy testing across multiple situations like wading and pothole impacts. Given that it’s been granted the all-clear, the Pd18 should be able to handle the streets of East London without any major issues, then.

Here’s what the company’s chief technology officer, Stephen Lambert, said: “Our team has invested heavily in our test and validation procedures to ensure that the Gen 5 IWM, exposed to severe shock, vibration, thermal cycle, sand, dust, water and chemical contamination, is designed to last and do the distance, securing a net-zero future across multiple vehicles and transport solutions.”

No word yet on when we could see the Pd18 go mainstream, but with approval now gained, expect movements in the coming months.