BorgWarner Inc., a global leader in automotive technology, announced three significant business wins for its High Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) in China, Korea, and Japan. These recent deals mark an important step in BorgWarner’s strategic expansion across Asia, with production for the respective projects set to commence between 2025 and 2028.
In China, a prominent domestic automaker has chosen BorgWarner’s HVCH for a fully electric SUV model. Production of this vehicle is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2025. This partnership underscores the increasing demand for efficient, high-performance thermal management solutions in the Chinese EV industry.
BorgWarner’s HVCH will also be integrated into a new electric pick-up truck produced by a leading Korean electric vehicle manufacturer, with production scheduled to start in March 2025. This heater will play a key role in optimising cabin temperature and energy efficiency, which enhances the vehicle’s overall driving experience.
The third major win is in Japan, where BorgWarner has secured its first HVCH contract with a Japanese OEM for an upcoming battery-electric vehicle. This contract is particularly notable as it represents BorgWarner’s initial foray into Japan’s rapidly expanding EV market. Production for the Japanese project is expected to commence in 2028. The compact and cost-efficient HVCH design will meet the specific needs of this market, offering reliable heating and efficient thermal management at a reduced cost.
“These three important business wins underscore the strength of BorgWarner’s HVCH technology and further solidify our relationships with important Asian OEMs,” Dr. Volker Weng, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager of Turbos and Thermal Technologies said. “Our cost-effective, efficient heating solution is able to meet the evolving needs of global electric vehicle manufacturers and continues to drive our success in key regions,” he added.
BorgWarner’s HVCH technology is specifically designed for EV and hybrid applications, where effective thermal management is essential for battery longevity and vehicle efficiency. The heaters feature a modular structure that reduces size and weight, enabling a more compact design. By evenly distributing temperature across the battery cells, the HVCH enhances battery energy efficiency and extends the driving range by consuming less power from the battery. The heaters also facilitate rapid cabin heating, which significantly improves passenger comfort.
A core feature of the HVCH is its Thick Film Element (TFE) technology, which allows for a variety of dimensions and sizes for the heating elements. The elements are immersed directly in coolant, ensuring efficient heat transfer. With compatibility across a range of supply voltages (from 250 to 800 volts) and a power output range of 3 to 10 kW, the HVCH is versatile and can be used in a wide array of applications within the EV sector.
As BorgWarner continues to expand its reach into Asia’s competitive electric vehicle markets, these contracts signify a pivotal moment in the company’s growth strategy, particularly in Japan.