TECO Targets Commercial and Agricultural Drone Power Systems, Plans Electric Bus Flat Wire Motors

Taipei, April 14 (CNA) — The Taipei International Auto Parts & Accessories Show commenced today, with TECO participating to showcase its electric vehicle power system solutions. The company unveiled its T Power Pro 400kW flat wire oil-cooled direct drive motor product and exhibited commercial drone power systems, aiming to expand into the electric bus and commercial/agricultural drone markets.

TECO stated its continuous expansion in the electric vehicle power system market, establishing a leading position in Taiwan's electric bus market, and entering overseas markets such as Japan, Mexico, and India, while also exploring business opportunities in North America and Europe. Wang Jung-pang, General Manager of TECO's Electro-Mechanical Systems Business Group, anticipates that electric vehicle and drone applications will account for over 5% of the business group's revenue in three years.

Regarding flat wire oil-cooled direct drive motors, TECO General Manager Kao Fei-yen stated at the exhibition today that domestic electric bus operators have expressed demand. These motors may be applied to 12-meter intercity long-distance electric buses in the future, primarily targeting electric bus markets with specifications of 7 to 12 meters and under 18.5 tons. TECO explained that related products will undergo system testing in the second half of the year, with mass production anticipated in the first half of 2027.

In addition to electric bus power systems, Kao Fei-yen noted that TECO's Zhongli plant has also invested in establishing a drone power system production line. Currently, TECO is focusing on commercial and agricultural drone power systems, with applications covering fire and rescue, solar panel cleaning, and pesticide spraying operations. TECO stated that related products are undergoing trial production and are expected to gradually enter mass production and shipment in the second half of the year.

Wang Jung-pang explained that the Zhongli plant's drone power systems currently focus on small reconnaissance drone applications and have reached mass production scale. It is estimated that after the new production line is in place by the end of this year, 500,000 to 700,000 small reconnaissance drone power systems can be produced annually. The agricultural drone power system production line is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with an annual production target of 40,000 to 60,000 units.

Kao Fei-yen stated that TECO plans to launch commercial drone flat wire motors and high-power electronic speed controllers this year, further targeting 10kg to 100kg agricultural drones and Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) application markets, increasing visibility in the North American market.

Furthermore, TECO is collaborating with European manufacturers to develop integrated electric drive axle solutions. TECO stated that it has received intentions from Taiwanese, European, and Mexican car manufacturers to adopt new vehicle models, and expects to provide sample vehicles to customers in the second half of this year to further advance commercial cooperation.

Looking ahead to the Electro-Mechanical Systems Business Group's operations this year, Wang Jung-pang anticipates continued improvement in shipments of electric vehicle and traditional high/low voltage motors. TECO has secured orders for data center HVAC high-voltage motors, expecting sustained growth in orders and revenue.