Taiwan EV Industry Moving from Parts Manufacture into Original Brands

TAIPEI, Taiwan--Nov. 3, 2011: Taiwan's electric vehicle (EV) industry is moving from parts manufacturing to marketing Taiwan's own brands, with the island's solid base in information and communication technology (ICT) helping it to make its name on the EV stage. Taiwan is also working vigorously to develop its own EV technology, placing it among countries like Brazil.

"ICT products from Taiwan are very competitive in the world," said Denise Hung, a specialist from Taiwan's Automotive Research and Testing Center (ARTC). "We use this advantage to integrate them with the auto industry in order to create our own innovative technology for electric vehicles. This advantage allows Taiwan to join the global electric vehicle market and also take Taiwan's auto industry to a new generation."

The Yulon Group is one of the island's first and most important players on the EV scene, forming the driving force behind Taiwan's renowned LUXGEN car brand. The company began work on its first EV model in 2007 and released the LUXGEN7 MPV just two years later. The vehicle comes equipped with a 150kW electric motor with 220N-m torque, similar to the Tesla Roadster. Its motor comes from Fukuta, a Taiwan-based electric motor manufacturer and supplier to Tesla Motors.

Another of the company's models is the LUXGEN EV+.

"The LUXGEN EV+ can be seen as the only option that generates no carbon emissions and delivers eco-friendly clean power when compared with other energy technologies, such as hybrid power," said Leo Chang, manager of LUXGEN's Electric Vehicle Department.

Pihsiang Machinery Manufacturing Co. (PMMC), meanwhile, exhibited its Venus full-electric mini-car and the firm's patented DOSBAS safe battery system at the 2011 Motorcycle Taiwan show in Taipei. The company claims the Venus as the first and only electric car to be certified by the domestic Vehicle Safety Certification Center (VSCC) and Electronics Testing Center (ETC) in Taiwan. The Venus will be sold domestically by the end of 2011, though it has already passed stringent road tests in Europe.

Taiwan manufacturers are also extremely prominent in the light-weight electric vehicle (LEV) sector.  Local maker E-Ton has developed its EV6A, or "e-go" e-scooter. The 87 kg LEV has Standard and Power gears and is powered by a 48V, 2,000W brushless motor. The new scooter cruises at about 50 kilometers, is capable of reaching 45 kph, and can climb 11.3-degree hills.

Universal Well Industry Co., Ltd makes LEVs under its own Uray brand. The company recently introduced the Pioneer 1.5, an electric motorcycle that has 45 kph maximum speed and 13-degree hill-climbing capacity.

Awareness of Taiwan's significant presence in the global EV industry is spreading. The 2011 inaugural EV Taiwan trade show attracted over 18,000 attendees, including over 1,600 overseas visitors. The event served as a premier showcase for domestic EV suppliers.  

Other major Taiwan EV manufacturers include Amita (battery modules), Chroma (motor and power control), and Garmin, the world's largest supplier of telematics.  

Taiwan is also among the world's most flexible regions in terms of its EV charging stations' compatibility factor. In 2011, ARTC began construction on the island's first full specification EV charging station. The Taiwan stations are fully compliant with CHAdeMO (Japan), GB (mainland China), IEC Type I (Europe) and SAE, UL 2202 and 2231 (US) standards.

Like Taiwan, Brazil is also working to develop its own EV technologies in preparation for the change from conventional to electric transport. The government has been financing new electric propulsion technologies. And in 2009, local manufacturer Eletra introduced its hybrid buses, of which 32 are now cruising the streets. Eletra is also developing a hybrid trolleybus as well as two electric trucks models. The hybrid trucks, which run on electric motors powered by batteries and/or generators running on ethanol, are due in late 2012.  

Brazil is also the world's fourth largest car market.

About Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) was founded in 1970 to promote Taiwan's foreign trade and competitiveness in world markets. Over the past 40 years, TAITRA has played a key role in the development of the Taiwan economy. TAITRA is jointly sponsored by the government and commercial associations and is viewed by all as the business gateway to Taiwan for the international business community.