ePTO: How an electric power take-off 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 frequently used in commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses or special-purpose vehicles that need to operate additional functions such as hydraulic pumps, lifting platforms or other electrical tools.

Technical functioning of an ePTO.

Energy source.

The ePTO draws its energy from the high-voltage battery of the electric vehicle. This battery also supplies the vehicle's electric motor with energy for propulsion. With an ePTO, part of this energy is diverted to operate electrical devices that would normally be powered mechanically or hydraulically by the internal combustion engine.

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Inverters and converters.

The high-voltage battery supplies direct current (DC), which must be converted into alternating current (AC) for most industrial applications. This is where an inverter comes in, which converts the direct current from the battery 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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Electrical drive for auxiliary units.

The converted current is then forwarded to an electric power take-off (ePTO), which drives the auxiliary units. This can, for example, operate hydraulic pumps that 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 operates independently of the vehicle's drive train.

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 the use of a vehicle's electrical energy to power auxiliary equipment without relying on the internal combustion engine. This improves efficiency, reduces emissions and enables more flexible application options.

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The ePTO is available from Flux in two power levels:

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Low-power ePTO (12 kW).

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

• Crane bodies (power requirement approx. 5 kW)
• Refuse compactor bodies (power requirement approx. 8 kW)

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ePTO with extended power (56 kW).‍

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

• Container cleaning bodies (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 power it should have, you should ask yourself these questions:

• How much power does your body require?
• How many kilometers do you want to be able to drive per day without having to recharge?
• How long is the electrically operated body in use per day?