While most manufacturers were forced to move out of Beijing in a bid to counter pollution, the government made a few exceptions for high-tech companies operating in the “new energy” field, including electricity.

During our stay in Beijing, we had the chance to visit one of these companies, Prestolite E-Propulsion Systems. This joint venture shares its capital 50-50 between Prestolite Electric Beijing Limited (PEBL) and TM4, a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec that specializes in electric motors and related controllers.

We were welcomed in the heart of the Tongzhou district by George Zhang, Assistant General Manager and Director of the Technology Centre. He talked to us about the company’s mission and their various products, including the SUMO MD and SUMO HD engines designed for use in city buses (6 to 18 metres), delivery trucks, municipal trucks, shuttle buses and other semi-heavy and heavy transportation vehicles requiring durability and good performance.

After the presentation, we had a tour of the engine and rotor assembly rooms. While we’re not allowed to say what we saw, we can assure you it was really impressive. The controllers and test beds all use proprietary programs custom designed by employees. Plus, everything from the casing to the special wires used inside the engines are made using proprietary technology and parts.

Prestolite E-Propulsion Systems – TM4 is one of the finest examples of what you can do when you develop partnerships and share knowledge and talent between international companies to carve out a place on the global market.

By : Joël Pelletier-Guénette