BorgWarner has signed agreements with two prominent global automakers to deliver high-voltage coolant heater (HVCH) systems for use in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). One of the contracts represents the company’s first supply of its electric heater system to a traditional automotive manufacturer for hybrid vehicles. The 400-volt HVCH will be installed across several of the automaker’s hybrid models, with manufacturing scheduled to begin in 2028.
The second agreement involves an 800-volt version of the HVCH system and strengthens an already established collaboration with another global carmaker. This contract will expand the use of the technology across multiple hybrid platforms, including light-duty trucks, also starting production in 2028.
“This marks a significant achievement for our thermal systems division and reinforces the trust both companies have placed in our heating technology,” said Dr Volker Weng, Vice President at BorgWarner Inc. and head of the company’s Turbos and Thermal Technologies division. “One of these projects represents a new customer relationship for this product, while the other deepens our work with an existing partner.”
BorgWarner’s HVCH units are designed with a compact and modular architecture, making them easier to integrate while reducing space and weight. These systems use a resistive heating element managed by a smart control unit to quickly and efficiently warm the coolant, helping to regulate both cabin temperature and battery thermal management, especially in colder climates.
Engineered for durability, the HVCH includes thick-film heating components rated for over 15,000 hours of operation. The design also incorporates strong resistance to vibration, non-flammable materials, and safety features that automatically shut the unit down in case of overheating or system faults, helping ensure safe and stable performance throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
BorgWarner has a strong commitment to sustainability, developing technologies that improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance vehicle performance. The company serves a diverse customer base, including automakers, suppliers, and consumers worldwide, with a growing emphasis on electric mobility and hybrid systems. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, BorgWarner operates in multiple countries and continues to lead the way in advancing automotive technologies.
