Taiwan Tech opens EV training center

臺科大開設智慧電動車培訓中心

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Taiwan University of Science and Technology on Monday opened an electric vehicle training center aimed at promoting EV research and cultivating high-level talent, CNA reported.

The facility cost more than NT$150 million (US$4.7 million), including NT$95 million in subsidies from the Ministry of Education. Located on the university’s Huaxia Campus in New Taipei’s Zhonghe District, the center has eight laboratories for battery applications, powertrain testing, and AI-powered sensing technologies.

At a press conference Monday, Taiwan Tech joined Ming Chi University of Technology, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, and Kun Shan University in an alliance to enhance EV technologies, including powertrains, batteries, autonomous driving systems, and charging infrastructure.

Ming Chi University of Technology’s Intelligent Vehicle R&D Center has partnered with Formosa Plastics Transport Corp. to advance the development of key components such as chassis systems, batteries, and motors, as well as technologies including vehicle control units and driver-assistance systems.

The center will also collaborate with Foxtron Vehicle, Ho-Wei Car Tech, Delta Electronics, and the Automotive Research & Testing Center to strengthen industry–academia cooperation. The university also plans to work with partner institutions to promote student exchange and internship programs, training more than 900 students annually.

At the event, Foxtron donated an EV to the school and opened access to the vehicle’s onboard computer system, allowing students to analyze data such as sensor readings, error codes, and operating modes.

Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said Taiwan’s EV development has made significant progress. With ministry R&D subsidies, Foxtron has built its first electric passenger car, the Foxtron Bria, while China Motor Corp. has rolled out its first 3.5-ton electric truck, with locally produced components accounting for up to 90%.

In October, the school’s racing team unveiled its self-developed second-generation electric race car, the Leopard 02, featuring an upgraded chassis, powertrain and suspension design. Last year, the team took second place in Formula Student Taiwan and won the 2023 Harry Watson Best Contribution Award from the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers.