Taiwan’s Teco Group will start producing the first batch of in-wheel (hub) electric motors in April or May, according
to the chairman C.K. Liu. The hub motors will be installed in electric buses in Japan, with each vehicle using eight such propulsion devices. Teco is also cooperating with Chinese partners to jointly develop motors for electric vehicles (EV).
Liu says that Teco is also developing the pull-type motors for battery electric vehicle (BEV) developed by Taiwanese automaker Yulon Motor Co., who will soon unveil such product in partnerships with Chinese companies.
Teco signed a cooperation agreement with SIM-Drive Corp. of Japan to jointly tap the EV in-wheel electric motor business, with such partnership expected to achieve annual output of about 100,000 in-wheel motors for various BEVs, especially for Isuzus and Mitsubishis.
Engaged extensively in eco-friendly vehicles, power generation and technologies, Teco is also working with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to develop motors for electric scooters, and has delivered wind-power generators for testing in Mongolia, says Lin. Industry sources say that Teco has won orders for 85 such generators.