Few people know that a solution exists that allows for the application of a PTO device in electric vehicles. ePTO, or Electric Power Take-Off (ePTO), is a modern version of the aforementioned device, which instead of mechanical energy from the engine and drive shaft, uses batteries and electric motors.
Given the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), transport and service companies planning to include electric vehicles in their fleet face a new challenge: how to power work bodies, such as hook loaders, concrete mixers, winches, or hydraulic pumps, without traditional PTO (Power Take-Off) systems based on internal combustion engines.
The solution is the aforementioned ePTO.
Electric motor with integrated hydraulic pump and inverter
Installation of an electric power take-off (ePTO) system in a Foton electric delivery vehicle
Ennovation Technology has completed the installation of an electric power take-off (ePTO) system in a Foton electric delivery vehicle. The electric Foton, with a permissible total weight of 4.25/6T and a range of 200 km, has been adapted to work as a hook loader.
The problem faced by entrepreneurs
Customers who previously used proven solutions for combustion vehicles are facing the challenge of adapting to the new realities of electromobility. When buying an electric vehicle, they often don’t know how to effectively power additional devices and the bodywork. In traditional cars, it was simple, whereas in electric ones, they lack clear solutions that will allow them to power the equipment in the body.
Powering the bodywork of an electric vehicle independently of the main drive – how does it work?
At Ennovation Technology, two types of ePTO are available. Namely, ePTO with electric power take-off and hydraulic ePTO.
1. Electric ePTO
Electric ePTO is characterized by power take-off via a standard three-phase or single-phase socket, allowing for the powering of three-phase and single-phase devices, e.g., refrigerators drawing energy from the vehicle’s battery, pneumatic hammers, heaters, electric concrete mixers, sound systems, or other everyday equipment, such as lighting, AC chargers for electric vehicles, etc. Furthermore, this device allows energy to be drawn from the vehicle’s battery without the need to turn on the ignition. Thanks to this, the user can power any electrical devices with a power of up to 22 kW. What’s more, power supplies can be combined, increasing the total power, which allows for even greater flexibility in use.
The following components are required for the system to operate:
Wiring harness kit
Bidirectional power supply (ePTO)
Battery system to which the ePTO is connected
Photo of a bidirectional 22 kW DC/AC power supply, V2X functionality.
V2X functionality allows the vehicle to be connected to any electrical device, which is then powered by energy from the vehicle.
Additional product information:
- Bidirectional AC and DC converter.
- Wide voltage range for the source, suitable for many types of batteries.
- Smooth transition during changes in the direction of power flow.
Basic information about ePTO:
- Higher power maintains a constant current on the source side.
- Efficiency >96%.
- Low standby power consumption, below 20W.
- Possibility to expand the device for greater power.
- Plug & Play.
- CAN communication interface.
- Equipped with a three-phase and single-phase socket
- Neutral wire available
Applications of ePTO:
- EV charger for energy storage
- V2G charger for electric vehicles.
- Powering external devices from the vehicle (V2X).
- Using the vehicle as a mobile energy storage unit.
- Powering refrigerators, bodywork, auxiliary devices.
Technical Specification of the Electric ePTO
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
| Overall dimensions | 804 x 405 x 138 | mm |
| Mounting dimensions | – | mm |
| Operating voltage range | 150 – 1000 (DC output) / 300 – 1000 (DC input) | V |
| Current load range | 0 – 73.3 | A |
| Nominal current at maximum load | 22 (@1000V) | A |
| Maximum power consumption | 22 | W |
| Standby power consumption | 22 | W |
| Permissible operating temperature range | -40 to 75 | °C |
| Permissible storage temperature range | -40 to 70 | °C |
| Protection rating | IP55 | – |
| Cooling | Air | – |
| Coolant | – | – |
| Cooling capacity | – | L/min |
| Communication | CAN 2.0 / Analog | – |
| Capacitor discharge time after power-off | ~5 | s |
| Weight | 33 | kg |
Hydraulic ePTO
The Hydraulic Electric Power Take-Off (ePTO) system operates by drawing power from a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor, which is powered by the vehicle’s battery.
Description of the ePTO power unit components
How does hydraulic ePTO work in practice?
An inverter is connected to the battery of the electric vehicle, which powers the electric motor driving the hydraulic pump. The entire system is monitored by a controller, designed and developed by Ennovation, which allows us for full integration of its components. Optionally, the system can be powered by an independently mounted battery.
Example of an ePTO solution powered by the traction battery of an electric vehicle.
Diagram of the ePTO system of a chassis with electric drive. The battery (BAT) and power distribution unit (PDU) are necessary for the ePTO to function.
Examples of solutions with energy storage (used in combustion and electric vehicles):
Battery-energy storage, which is charged by a mains charger for example at night (using green energy or according to a low-energy tariff) and used to power the ePTO.
Battery-energy storage is charged by the combustion engine (while the vehicle is working/driving) and the use of stored energy to power ePTO, e.g., a garbage truck.
Technical Specifications of Hydraulic ePTO
The set includes:
- Three-phase PMSM electric motor (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor)
- Inverter
- Hydraulic pump
- High-voltage power cables connecting the inverter to the motor
- Signal harness for connecting the CAN controller Optional:
- Cable for connecting the vehicle’s PDU to the ePTO (depending on the connector socket used by the vehicle manufacturer)
- CAN controller
- Signal wiring harnesses for connecting the controller
- Controller software and hydraulic pump drive parameter configuration
- Adaptation of ePTO to the specifications of the device mounted on the vehicle and the method of its control.
Basic parameters:
- Motor rated power – 10 kW
- Hydraulic pump working pressure – 200 bar
- Hydraulic pump geometric volume – 20 cm3/rev
- Dimensions L/W/H – 615 mm x 360 mm x 325 mm
- Air-cooled system.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP
Flow rate: 30 l/min (at 1500 rpm)
Geometric volume: 20 cm3/rev
Rotation range: 600 – 3000 (rpm)
Nominal pressure: 20 MPa
Maximum pressure: 25 MPa
Hydraulic connections: Suction: 3/4″
Internal thread, depth 20 mm
Pressure: 1/2″
Internal thread, depth 16 mm
Pump flow rate set by the electric motor speed, e.g.: 1000 rpm → pump flow rate 20 l/min.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF THE PUMP DRIVE (ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROLLED BY INVERTER)
DC input voltage range (from vehicle traction battery): 300 – 700 V AC
Output voltage range (motor supply): 0 – 400 V
Nominal current at DC input: 25 A
Nominal current at output: 27 A (continuous)
Peak current at output 45 A (for 1 min)
Motor rated power: 10 kW
Motor peak power: 25 kW (for 60s)
Motor efficiency: ≥95% for rated parameters
Allowable overload: 150% 1 min; 180% 10s; 200% 0.5s at 10 min intervals (adjustable)
Operating temperature range (ambient temp.): -40 ℃
- +85 ℃ Supply voltage / power: 24 V (18-36 V) / 5W Protection degree: IP67, Weight: approx. 75 kg, cooling: air, communication protocol: CAN 2.0B (250 Kbit/s)
Key advantages of ePTO
The ePTO (Electric Power Take-Off) system is a modern solution that enables the powering of hydraulic bodywork in electric vehicles without engaging mechanical power transmission elements. This eliminates fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, and noise, which is crucial in urban and industrial applications. High motor efficiency (≥95%), the possibility of precise adjustment of speed and power, as well as operation in a wide input voltage range (300-700V) mean that ePTO can be adapted to various types of vehicles. Additionally, the system stands out with its compact design and low weight, and advanced CAN control allows for full integration with vehicle systems. It is worth emphasizing that the absence of complex mechanical gears and drive shafts significantly reduces the risk of failure and lowers maintenance costs. Thanks to the IP67 protection rating and optional air cooling, ePTO ensures reliability even in demanding operating conditions.
Summary
At Ennovation Technology, we specialize in conversions of specialist vehicles from combustion to electric and in unusual R&D solutions. With our extensive experience in ePTO technology and vehicle electrification, Ennovation Technology empowers businesses to seamlessly integrate efficient and sustainable power solutions into their electric vehicle fleets. Contact our expert today to discuss how our tailored ePTO systems can optimize your operations and contribute to a greener future.
Michał Borowski at m.borowski@ennovationtech.eu, +48 669 693 896.