Renault Group and Protean Electric power up the future with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Paris, France and Farnham, UK – [23 April 2026] – Renault Group, European leader in electric mobility and Protean Electric (Protean) the world-leading developer of in-wheel motors (IWM) can confirm the Renault brand will use Protean as the supplier of IWMs on its electric mini-supercar, Renault 5 Turbo 3E, becoming the first European passenger car to enter production fitted with in-wheel motors.

The pioneering re-birth of the Renault 5 Turbo has been facilitated by a state-of-the-art IWM drive system where Protean has met the challenging power and torque requirements of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E with its Protean Drive technology. Developed in only 2 years after nomination, Protean’s IWM system produces 555 hp, delivering power directly to the rear wheels for exhilarating acceleration, achieving 0-62 mph in under 3.5 seconds*.

Philippe Krief, Chief Executive Officer of the Alpine brand explained: “The team has been working hard to offer to enthusiasts a retro road supercar with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. One of the key unique selling point is the in-wheel motors that we have developed together with Protean, who offered us the world leading IWM technology for this exciting project. We are delighted to be working with them to deliver the legacy of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, in all-electric form.”

Andrew Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer at Protean Electric, added, “We are thrilled to see Protean’s in-wheel motor technology being integrated into such an iconic vehicle as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This collaboration represents a significant milestone the future of vehicle electrification as it shows clearly in-wheel motors have no limits. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Renault Group as they seek to use in-wheel motors to deliver better electric vehicles for their customers.“

More details of the project will be shared during the 2026 International Vienna Motor Symposium where both companies will present papers on the vehicle and powertrain development.

 

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* Renault Group internal source, pending homologation. Figures shown are for comparability purposes only. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.

 

 

About Renault Group

Renault Group is at the forefront of a mobility that is reinventing itself. The Group relies on the complementarity of its three automotive brands – Renault, Dacia, Alpine – and its financial captive – Mobilize Financial Services – to offer sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to its customers. Established in more than 100 countries, Renault Group sold 2.337 million vehicles in 2025. It employs more than 100,000 people who embody its Purpose every day, so that mobility brings people closer.

Ready to pursue challenges both on the road and in competition, the Group is committed to an ambitious and value-generating transformation focused on the development of new technologies and services, and a new range of even more competitive, balanced, and electrified vehicles. In line with environmental challenges, Renault Group’s ambition is to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050.

More information: www.renaultgroup.com/en

 

About Protean Electric

Protean Electric is an automotive technology innovator, and a world-leading developer of in-wheel motors including ProteanDrive, a fully integrated in-wheel drive solution. Protean Electric’s technology is strategically positioned to play a major role in the electrification of mobility by offering OEMs the ability to redefine their vehicle propositions to improve user experience and range while also reducing vehicle cost. Protean Electric has over 320 patents across 75 patent families with operations in the United Kingdom and China.

Protean Electric is now part of the EXEDY Group, a global drive train component manufacturer with sales and production locations in 25 countries and over 14,000 employees in its global network.  With a history of over 70 years in manufacturing drivetrain components and investment into advanced technology, EXEDY provides high quality products to all regions of the globe.

For more information, please visit: www.proteanelectric.com and www.exedy.com

 

 

Media Contact

Renault contact: Emmanuel Genty – Product Communication Manager
emmanuel.genty@renault.com
+33 6 01 92 50 36

Protean contact: Hannah Burgess
hannah@hannahburgesspr.com
+44 (0) 7730 570975