Local Motors And Protean Electric Extend Strategic Partnership For Adoption of Olli Electric Autonom

Local Motors, a leader in the design, manufacturing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles, and Protean Electric, the world leader of in-wheel motor technology for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and future transport solutions, have expanded their long-standing partnership, inking a further three-year deal valued at $7.3 million. Under this significant new order, Protean Electric will deliver thousands of its ProteanDrive in-wheel motors (IWMs) to power Local Motors' Olli 2.0 electric autonomous shuttles, accelerating the rollout of the state-of-the-art vehicles around the world.

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The ProteanDrive in-wheel motors also allow Local Motors to maximise passenger space, vehicle range, and platform reliability

The Olli autonomous shuttle is in use today on campuses and city streets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Olli's autonomy system ensures safe autonomous operation and delivers an unmatched rider experience, thanks in large part to the ProteanDrive in-wheel motors, which are lighter, smoother, and more energy-efficient than alternative solutions such as e-axles. The ProteanDrive in-wheel motors also allow Local Motors to maximise passenger space, vehicle range, and platform reliability while reaping the cost benefits delivered by this best-in-class electric wheel technology.

Vikrant Aggarwal, President of Local Motors said, "One of the keys in driving broad-scale adoption of electric autonomous vehicles is delivering an exceptional passenger experience, and the ProteanDrive in-wheel motors play a huge role in that experience, providing a smooth, quiet, and reliable ride while allowing us to optimise vehicle design to better address real-world use cases."