TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tatung has launched its second-generation electric bus powertrain system, featuring a high-power 250kW direct-drive motor and drive unit.
The new system builds on the company’s first-generation model, which was developed in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute. Tatung said the updated version offers improvements in pulling power, operational performance, and energy efficiency, per CNA.
The first-generation system was recognized as Taiwan's first domestically developed EV powertrain. Designed for standard 12-meter electric buses and 17-tonne electric trucks, the initial motor achieved a peak efficiency of more than 96%, improving vehicle performance and energy savings. It also passed performance tests conducted by the Automotive Research & Testing Center.
Tatung has signed a supply agreement with Tron Energy Technology for approximately 500 new powertrains. Tatung said the partnership with Tron, a leading domestic manufacturer of electric buses and battery energy storage systems, is expected to enhance the self-sufficiency of the domestic electric bus supply chain.
The announcement comes as the government pushes for bus electrification. To support full domestic production and adoption of electric buses by 2030, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is offering subsidies of up to NT$6.7 million (US$206,000) per vehicle for transit operators that purchase models meeting domestic manufacturing standards.
The ministry has also certified four companies, including Tron, as qualified domestic electric bus makers fully using Taiwan-made components. Tron's new factory in Hsinchu is set to begin construction, which is expected to boost automation and expand Taiwan’s electric bus production capacity.
Tatung added that its factories have earned certification for automotive manufacturing quality. It is also the first company in Taiwan to have its motors and drive units certified for automotive safety standards.
