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Partners Team Up on Electric Drivetrain for Big Trucks
Longmont, Colo.-based UQM Technologies Inc. is partnering with Eaton Corp. and Pi Innovo LLC on an electric drivetrain system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
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Longmont, Colo.-based UQM Technologies Inc. is partnering with Eaton Corp. and Pi Innovo LLC on an electric drivetrain system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Eaton will supply the system’s 2-speed transmission, and Plymouth, Mich.-based Pi Innovo will provide the transmission control unit. These components will be combined with UQM’s motor and inverter system to create a full electric drivetrain system called the PowerPhaseDT.
The system will help improve gradability, acceleration, efficiency and driving range, according to the partners. Eaton’s 2-speed transmission provides a greater speed and torque range than a direct drive system, which enables the use of a smaller electric motor.
Other purported benefits include improved packaging, efficiency, greater payload capacity and lower cost when compared with direct drive or single-speed drivetrains.
UQM plans to build prototypes this autumn and have production units ready by early 2017. Initial target markets include China, Europe and South America.
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