Bob Purcell Joins Protean Electric as Board Director and Strategic Advisor

TROY, Mich., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Protean Electric, a leading clean technology company that designs, develops and manufactures in-wheel electric drive systems, recently welcomed Bob Purcell as a board director and strategic advisor. In this role, Purcell will draw from his years of experience in the electric vehicle industry to provide counsel to help grow Protean Electric in the global automotive market.

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"When I was first introduced to Protean Electric, I was very impressed with both their technology and their business model," said Purcell. "Protean Electric is a hands-on company with an electric drive system that I believe could create the new industry standard."

Purcell brings a long track record of electric vehicle technology experience to Protean Electric. From 1994 to 2002, he led the GM Advanced Technology Vehicles Group (GM ATV) to launch the GM EV-1, the world's first modern electric vehicle. His group also developed and produced the S-10 Electric Truck and the GM Precept Hybrid Vehicle, part of President Clinton's Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles program. Many of the technologies that were pioneered at GM ATV are still widely used today throughout the industry in electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

"Purcell is a great pioneer in electric vehicle technology," said Craig Knight, CEO of Protean Electric. "We are thrilled to have him on our team and look forward to tapping into his expertise to develop Protean Electric into a leading green technology company."

Purcell is the founder and CEO of Purcell & Associates, LLC, a senior advisory group specializing in advanced automotive and alternative energy investment projects. Purcell also serves as a board director of Boston-Power, Inc., makers of lithium ion battery technology. Prior to founding Purcell & Associates in late 2008, Purcell was the vice president of Global Planning, Sales and Strategic Alliances at the General Motors Powertrain Group where he was responsible for business and technology planning worldwide for GM's engine and transmission operations. His group also managed Powertrain's $2 billion annual direct component sales and $1 billion technology licensing activities.

About Protean Electric

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.  Each motor has a built-in inverter, control electronics and software, delivering a practical way to electrify small- to full-size vehicles with no compromise in performance. Protean Electric is strategically positioned to play a major role in the hybrid and electric vehicle market by offering a combination of packaging advantages, new vehicle design opportunities, performance benefits and cost savings. For more information, visit ProteanElectric.com.

SOURCE Protean Electric