Japan’s EXEDY has approved the acquisition of Protean Electric, a UK-based developer of in-wheel motors, in a move it says is aimed at strengthening its electrification technology portfolio as the auto industry shifts toward “CASE” (connected, autonomous, shared & services, electric).
Protean’s in-wheel motors—drive units integrated into the wheels—are positioned as a way to improve vehicle control via fast response and to increase design freedom. EXEDY also said the technology could influence conventional drivetrain architectures and help with control integration challenges often cited for software-defined vehicles.
EXEDY plans to acquire 9,086,213 shares for JPY 5.07 billion (about $35 million) plus an estimated JPY 100 million in advisory fees, for a total estimated outlay of JPY 5.17 billion. The seller is BD Auto and Energy, and EXEDY expects to sign and close on February 26, 2026.
“Protean Electric’s in-wheel motor technology is expected to contribute to improved vehicle control performance through fast response characteristics and to increase freedom in vehicle design,” the company said.
Source: EXEDY
