BEDEO Launches the World’s First Classic Car EV Retrofit System with ProteanDrive

Protean Electric’s parent company, BEDEO, has taken a significant step forward in its electrification solutions with the introduction of Reborn Electric: Icons Land Rover Defender – the inaugural vehicle in a series aiming to retrofit legendary passenger cars with ProteanDrive in-wheel motor technology.

BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons joins the expanding portfolio of BEDEO Group electric vehicle (EV) solutions, dedicated to decarbonizing transportation systems through retrofits instead of purchasing brand-new vehicles, thereby reducing emissions. This pioneering conversion, utilising Protean Electric’s innovative ProteanDrive in-wheel motor (IWM) solution, transforms the Defender into an all-wheel-drive electric vehicle, suitable for diverse environments.

The Reborn Electric: Icons initiative begins with the transformation of the iconic Defender, preserving its rugged charm while embracing the advantages of electric power. Equipped with a whisper-silent battery-powered powertrain, the first converted Defender boasts a 75-kWh battery with an estimated WLTP range of 247 km (153 miles). It also features a standard 22 kW on-board charger, capable of achieving full charge in just five hours, with the option for an additional 50 kW fast charging, completing a recharge in only 90 minutes.

Enabled by ProteanDrive technology, Reborn Electric conversions promise a revolutionary approach to vehicle and emissions management, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. The versatility of this technology extends beyond the Defender, offering potential applications across various vehicle models, catering to the unique preferences and needs of customers.

Osman Boyner, founder and CEO of BEDEO Group, underscores the significance of this expansion, stating, “The classic car community has embraced the concept of converting beloved vehicles to electric power through EV conversion. However, until now, none have explored the use of in-wheel motors to leverage the benefits of weight reduction and engineering enhancements.”

Looking ahead, BEDEO’s Reborn Electric solutions will encompass other iconic vehicles beyond the Land Rover Defender. Positioned as a global player in the electrification landscape, with headquarters and R&D operations in the UK and manufacturing facilities in Turkey and China, BEDEO marks a substantial leap forward with the Reborn Electric: Icons program. This initiative aligns with the company’s overarching mission to provide practical, sustainable solutions for fleets and individuals embracing electric and hybrid vehicles.

For more information about BEDEO, visit bedeo.tech. Prospective partner-installers or those seeking further details on the sales process are encouraged to contact info@bedeo.tech

About BEDEO

BEDEO (formerly BD Auto) has established itself, and its group companies, as one of the most trailblazing, transformative and trusted vehicle electrification technology providers globally.

Founded in 2009 by Osman Boyner, the company is headquartered in Farnham, UK, with manufacturing in Turkey and China. BEDEO’s vision is to decarbonise the automotive industry utilising its proprietary, in-house manufactured electrification solutions, including but not limited to: its in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, inverter, battery pack and cabling.

Through its Build Electric, Drive Electric and Reborn Electric initiatives, BEDEO intends to be a solution provider for all areas of the automotive market, with its proprietary pioneering technology at the heart of the mission. In tandem with fleet decarbonisation efforts, BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons initiative is a dedicated focus on passenger vehicles, seeking to reimagine iconic vehicles with a sustainable twist, infusing them with BEDEO’s proprietary technologies, which are used and trusted by OEMs and suppliers worldwide.

Today, BEDEO Group, which consists of BEDEO and Protean Electric, collectively hold over 300 patents and OEM production credentials in safety, production and homologation. Focusing on the next generation of decarbonisation solutions, BEDEO Group continues to develop technology IP to lead the path for a cleaner, more connected future.

Approved by leading OEM group Stellantis, BEDEO’s solutions not only address the environmental impact of fleet operations – its transformative approach and unmatched time-to-market speed making it the partner of choice for over forty blue-chip customers in logistics, e-commerce, online grocery and food retail, and urban waste management – but also strives to make sustainable transportation accessible to individual consumers, fostering a broader shift towards a cleaner and greener automotive future.

With a commitment to sustainable mobility, BEDEO is actively expanding into the marine and aviation markets.

For more information, visit bedeo.tech

About Protean Electric

Protean Electric is a global leader in the development of in-wheel motor technology for electric vehicles, catering to passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and future transport solutions.

Established in 2008, the company has dedicated over a decade and a million hours to perfecting its IWM technology, and with over 2 million kilometres travelled in 31 different vehicle types, it continues to lead with over 300 patents, embodying its commitment to innovation. The company’s ProteanDrive technology, featuring integrated power electronics and digital control, represents a significant advancement in the electric vehicle landscape.

Protean Electric’s innovative approach involves generating power directly in a vehicle’s wheels, eliminating the need for a central motor and drivetrain. In-wheel motors, also known as hub motors, provide drivers with enhanced torque response, improved handling, faster acceleration, reduced charging times, and increased range. The technology’s benefits further extend to efficiency gains, weight reduction, and a more flexible vehicle design. ProteanDrive’s friction brakes, developed in collaboration with leading brake system experts, are tailored to suit any type of vehicle, providing a comprehensive solution for electric vehicle efficiency.

Media Contact

Hannah Burgess
hannah@hannahburgesspr.com

+44 (0) 7730 570975

An image of a Land Rover Defender driving through a river ford