Major automobile manufacturers' plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have awarded contracts to BorgWarner for the supply of high-voltage coolant heaters.
BorgWarner Secures Contracts for High-Voltage Coolant Heater Technology
In a significant milestone for the company, Volker Weng, Vice President of BorgWarner, announced that the automotive technology giant has signed contracts with two Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for its High-Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) technology. The production for both contracts is scheduled to begin in 2028.
One contract marks BorgWarner's first HVCH application for a hybrid vehicle platform with a legacy automaker, while the other extends an existing partnership with a new application on additional Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models. The specific OEM names have not been disclosed.
The HVCH technology, developed by BorgWarner, enhances system performance by providing efficient vehicle cabin and battery heating, particularly beneficial in cold conditions. It supports optimal battery temperature management and helps maintain ideal thermal conditions during fast charging.
The heater's design offers low thermal mass, high power density, and fast response for both heating and cooling. The HVCH units will operate at both 400 volt and 800 volt, covering a range of light-duty PHEV platforms, including pickup trucks.
The HVCH heater is constructed for durability, utilizing thick film heating elements with a lifespan of over 15,000 hours. It includes mechanical anti-vibration characteristics, is non-flammable, and integrates functional safety protocols, such as automatic shutdown in case of any detected thermal event.
The statements from Volker Weng validate BorgWarner's technology leadership and expertise in battery and cabin heating. The company's HVCH technology is set to revolutionize the heating systems in hybrid and electric vehicles, offering a compact, modular design to minimize weight and size.
This news underscores BorgWarner's commitment to innovation and sustainability, as the company continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology. With these new contracts, BorgWarner is poised to make a significant impact in the growing market for plug-in hybrid vehicles.