NEVS Acquires Protean Electric, Betting on In-Wheel Motor Technology

Chinese electric vehicle maker NEVS has acquired Protean Electric, a company known for developing in-wheel electric motor systems. The move gives the Chinese brand direct access to a drivetrain technology that has long intrigued automakers for its packaging and efficiency advantages.

In-wheel motors place the electric drive unit inside the wheel itself, eliminating the need for traditional axles and freeing up space elsewhere in the vehicle. NEVS has previously signaled interest in integrating such systems into its future models.

The acquisition underscores how Chinese EV players continue to snap up specialized suppliers to strengthen their technical capabilities. Protean, based in the UK, had worked to bring its motor design toward production readiness.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. It remains to be seen how quickly NEVS can translate Protean’s technology into volume vehicle programs.