SKF has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the US-based Protean Electric under which SKF will supply its expertise and advanced automotive solutions for Protean’s in-wheel electric drive for hybrid and electric vehicle markets.
The Protean-SKF strategic partnership is a five-year agreement that initially focuses on a unique wheel bearing system with integrated sealing and sensors developed specifically for Protean Electric. Beyond this initial project, the companies will both look for new areas of collaboration that capitalize on their core expertise.
“Aligned with our SKF BeyondZero strategy, SKF is committed to developing technology to support the electric and hybrid vehicle markets to further reduce the carbon footprint. Combining our engineering knowledge with Protean’s expertise for in-wheel motors will be an excellent way to develop this market,” says Tryggve Sthen, President, SKF Automotive.
Protean Electric is a leading clean technology company that designs, develops and manufactures the Protean Drive, a fully integrated, in-wheel motor, direct-drive solution for electric hybrid vehicles.
“We are very pleased to partner with SKF,” says Bob Purcell, Chairman and CEO, Protean Holdings Corp. “The bearing design has a significant influence on the performance of the in-wheel motor, and only SKF can supply a bearing to meet the requirements for this unique application. In addition, they have the competence and skills to support the entire development lifecycle and series production.”