ePTO: How an electric auxiliary drive works

An electric power take-off (ePTO) is a system that makes it possible to use electrical energy from the battery of an electric vehicle to power additional devices or machines. Such systems are often used in commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses or special emergency vehicles that need to operate additional functions such as hydraulic pumps, lifting platforms or other electric tools.

Technical functionality of an ePTO.

Energy source.

The ePTO draws its energy from the electric vehicle's high-voltage battery. This battery also supplies the vehicle's electric motor with energy for the drive. In an ePTO, some of this energy is diverted to power electrical devices that would normally be driven mechanically or hydraulically by the combustion engine.

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Inverters and current transformers.

The high-voltage battery supplies direct current (DC), which must be converted into alternating current (AC) for most industrial applications. An inverter is used here to convert the battery's direct current into alternating current, which can then be used to operate electrical devices. Depending on the application, the inverter can also raise or lower the voltage to the required level.

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Electric drive for auxiliary units.

The converted electricity is then passed on to an electric power take-off (ePTO), which drives the auxiliary units. This can operate hydraulic pumps, for example, which are necessary for operating cranes or lifting platforms. Unlike traditional mechanical power take-offs, which are driven directly by the vehicle's engine, an ePTO works independently of the vehicle's driveline.

Control and regulation.

A control unit monitors and regulates the operation of the ePTO. It ensures that the required power is provided according to the requirements of the connected device. It also monitors the battery to ensure that the ePTO does not consume more energy than is available for driving and the remaining functions of the vehicle.

In summary, an ePTO enables a vehicle's electrical energy to be used to power auxiliary equipment without having to rely on the combustion engine. This improves efficiency, reduces emissions and enables more flexible applications.

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The ePTO is available from Flux in two power levels:

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ePTO with low power (12 kW).

The low-power ePTO is suitable for the following applications, for example:

• Crane superstructures (power requirement approx. 5 kW)
• Waste compactor superstructures (power requirement approx. 8 kW)

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ePTO with extended power (56 kW).‍

The ePTO with extended performance is suitable for the following applications, for example:

• Container cleaning superstructures (power requirement up to 30 kW)
• High-pressure cleaning application (power requirement up to 50 kW)

To decide whether an ePTO is worthwhile for your vehicle and what performance it should have, you should ask yourself these questions:

• How much power does your body need?
• How many kilometers would you like to be able to drive per day without having to recharge?
• How long is the electrically powered body in use per day?