Prestolite E-Propulsion Systems (PEPS), a joint venture between Prestolite Electric Beijing and TM4 Inc, has received a multi-million-dollar order from Chinese bus manufacturer Foton for 250 SUMO HD electric powertrains. PEPS has been working with Foton to test its SUMO HD systems over the last 18 months.

Prestolite’s TM4 SUMO system is designed for medium- and heavy-duty electric and hybrid vehicles such as 6-18 meter buses, delivery trucks, shuttles and tow tractors.

The system allows direct-drive operation, which reduces the powertrain’s complexity and cost. According to the company, a direct-drive system yields over 10% efficiency gains throughout the drive cycle, representing an equivalent gain in battery usage.

Some of Prestolite’s systems are offered with a double-ended shaft option, which is designed to allow easy integration into many hybrid-electric powertrain architectures.

Source: TM4