Major Milestones
Core Engine Technologies From Gas Cars, Electric Vehicles To Autonomous Cars
Taiwan began developing its automobile industry in the 1950s; however, local manufacturers struggled to build a comprehensive automobile industry chain due to the lack of the core technology of automobile manufacturing—the engine. In 1991, ITRI started the technology R&D in automobile industry, with a focus on engine development. To this end, ITRI sent engineers to the UK-based company Lotus Limited to learn related technologies. In 1995, in collaboration with Yulon Motor, SYM, China Motor, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, ITRI helped establish Taiwan’s first engine company China Engine Corporation. By 1998, the company was able to mass-produce 1.2 L engines and installed them in CMC Varica cars. The company then developed a range of engine models that were used by Taiwan’s own vehicle brand LUXGEN.
ITRI began investing in electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous vehicle R&D in the 2000s. In 2005, it unveiled the prototype of a hybrid power system T1 which was equipped in locally produced vehicles. In 2007, ITRI released the light EV, and in 2011, it presented a 50 kW electric power system prototype and a commercial intelligent concept EV. These efforts have helped shift Taiwan’s industry from gasoline vehicles towards EVs, and assisted in the development of battery management, power control, power conversion, and charging pile technologies. In 2017, ITRI established the startup eTreego, which is now one of the top three charging pile suppliers in Taiwan and the only company in the country that provides charging piles for two, four, and multiple-wheel transportation vehicles.
Starting in 2000, ITRI was dedicated to developing intelligent vehicle technologies, such as in-vehicle communication, vehicle image recognition, and drive-by-wire technologies. In 2007, several vehicle image-assisted driving module technologies were transferred to domestic manufacturers for mass production. These intelligent vehicle technologies were integrated to develop autonomous driving technology in 2015. ITRI also applied its ICT capabilities to the development of self-driving technology. In 2019, ITRI obtained Taiwan’s first autonomous vehicle license plate, and the vehicle became the first autonomous car in Taiwan to drive on open roads. Since 2020, ITRI has continued to work with manufacturers to advance EV and autonomous car technologies, including the development of EV sensor subsystems, two-speed transmission modules, full vehicle X-by-Wire controllers, and silicon carbide motor drives. In 2021, ITRI launched Taiwan’s first trial of self-driving buses on open roads in mixed traffic with cars and scooters. The self-driving bus technology was transferred from ITRI to the private operator. From components to full vehicle technologies to field verification, ITRI is working to help Taiwan’s EV industry independently develop their technologies and open up more business opportunities.
ITRI carried out the general engine project. It developed independent technologies through vehicle engine manufacturing, further enhancing the automobile industry.
ITIC helped establish an engine manufacturing company.
ITRI signed Taiwan’s first technology transfer contract on car engine development with UK Lotus Limited. It collaborated with Yulon Motor, CMC, and SYM and sent engineers to Lotus Limited for training.
ITRI held the inauguration ceremony for a 16-valve prototype of a common engine, where Shing-Yuan Tsai introduced the prototype (From left: Minister of Economic Affairs Pin-Kung Chiang, General Director of ITRI’s Mechanical Industry Research Laboratories Shing-Yuan Tsai, ITRI President Chintay Shih, CMC General Manager Hsin-I Lin).
ITRI set up the joint venture China Engine Corporation with Yulon Motor, CMC, SYM, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This is Taiwan’s first company for professional engine R&D, design, and manufacturing.
China Engine Corporation began to mass produce 1.2 L general engines. The commercial vehicle CMC Varica with the first Taiwan-made engine officially hit the market.
ITRI developed the 1800-2200cc module engine and collaborated with Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi. The engine was later used by LUXGEN.
ITRI developed the Light Electric Vehicle, which incorporated vehicle, battery, and IT technologies, and only consumed one-third of the energy required for traditional gas vehicles.
ITRI developed the charging control module and key connector component technologies. It also set up common standards and design verification guidelines, stimulating the charging industry chain, including connector, charger, and operation service businesses.
ITRI signed the EV motor inverter development contract with Japanese company NIDEC, which has the largest market share in global small- and mid-sized motors. This created an opportunity for Taiwan’s industries to enter the international supply chain.
ITRI collaborated KYMCO, AcBel Polytech, and Elite Advanced Laser to establish the range extender utility EV REX integrated R&D alliance and connect domestic upstream to downstream key vehicle component manufacturers.
ITRI set up Taiwan’s first independently-developed advanced crossroad collision prevention warning system iRoadSafe, and deployed it in the streets of Hsinchu County and City. The system reduced accident rates and won the 2019 Edison Awards.
ITRI used charging module technology to assist Yulon Motor in setting up charging stations and reaching a market share of 80%. The stations support EVs by LUXGEN, BMW, Tesla, and Leaf.
ITRI set up spinoff company eTreego that developed EV charging module solutions.
ITRI established the Surrounding Sensing Subsystem Partnership Program that attracted 10 industry members to join: Unex Technology, RoyalTek, Actron Technology, LiteOn, ST Electronics, Inventec, Mobiletron, Hwacom Systems, Alpha Networks, and Far EasTone.
The government issued Taiwan’s first autonomous vehicle license plate to Hsinchu City and ITRI. This is the first autonomous car to drive on open roads in Taiwan.
ITRI developed Taiwan’s first self-driving bus with Mobiletron.
ITRI linked together nearly 50 industry and research institutes to set up the Taiwan Electric Vehicle Power Supply Industry Technology Promotion Alliance. Members include the Taiwan Electric Research & Testing Center, Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Association, YES-Energy Service, noodoe, Delta Electronics, Fortune Electric, Phihong Technology, and eTreego. The objective is to promote unified interfaces for public charging stations and speed up Taiwan’s smart transportation development.
ITRI worked with local companies to develop the two-speed transmission module which increases EV endurance.
ITRI started the self-driving shuttle bus service between the Taiwan High Speed Rail Hsinchu Station and northern Hsinchu City. This is the first test run of a self-driving bus on the open urban road in mixed traffic. The technology was transferred from ITRI to a private operator.
ITRI collaborated with AcBel Polytech, Fukuta Elec. & Mach. Co., Ltd, and DiodSent Green Technology to develop the next-generation key EV power system: the 6-in-1 SiC Powertrain Controller.
ITRI developed Taiwan’s first 2-in-1 full vehicle X-by-Wire controller to replace the engine controller in gas cars.
