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Thermo King is introducing the TE Series Heat Pump, which is designed to enhance the performance of battery-electric buses in moderate and colder climates. Part of Thermo King's all-electric, high-efficiency TE Series product line, the TE Series Heat Pump enables fleet operators to extend bus range, further reduce emissions, and maintain passenger comfort, even in challenging conditions.
“This product is a critical step in continuing to make public transportation more efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly, proving that decarbonization and operational excellence can go hand in hand," said Chris Tanaka, vice president of product management for Thermo King Americas. “By applying heat pump expertise, we are equipping fleet operators with innovative solutions that extend beyond emissions reduction alone.”
Battery-electric buses have decarbonized the public transportation sector for over a decade, but traditional electric resistance heaters reduce operating range by drawing energy from vehicle batteries. The TE Series Heat Pump addresses this with an efficient design that extracts heat from ambient air rather than generating heat from battery power. This results in up to 2.5 times more energy efficiency than conventional electric resistance heaters, which translates to more miles per charge, the company said. As a result, buses equipped with the TE Series Heat Pump can achieve up to 50% more range at moderate temperatures (40 degrees F) and up to 30% more range at colder temperatures (20 degrees F) compared to those using electric resistance heaters.
Additionally, the system effectively keeps passengers warm as ambient temperatures drop to approximately 20 degrees F without the need for backup heating. In colder climates requiring auxiliary heat, the TE Series Heat Pump also allows for extended bus routes and reduced reliance on battery recharging.
The new pump uses familiar control strategies and operational modes that require minimal additional training for technicians or operators. Automated comfort systems handle heating, auxiliary heating, and defrost modes internally, which reduces manual steps for drivers and prioritizes passenger safety for year-round reliability.
Finally, unlike diesel heaters, the TE Series Heat Pump produces no direct emissions, and its efficient energy use minimizes indirect emissions tied to electricity generation, making it a low-carbon, sustainable solution for transit authorities and bus manufacturers committed to maximizing decarbonization.