BorgWarner Extends High-Volume Inverter Programs for European Market
BorgWarner, a leader in innovative mobility solutions, has successfully secured a major extension of its inverter programs with a prominent automotive manufacturer in Europe. This strategic advancement represents a significant investment in plug-in hybrid and 800V battery-electric vehicle technologies, reinforcing BorgWarner's commitment to sustainable mobility.
The extensions encompass enhanced inverter designs tailored for both plug-in hybrid systems and advanced 800V battery-electric applications. This undertaking builds upon BorgWarner's established relationship in power electronics with this major original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Production for these updated inverter designs is slated to commence in 2029, reflecting the increasing demand for energy-efficient automotive technologies.
BorgWarner’s President and General Manager of PowerDrive Systems, Isabelle McKenzie, emphasized the importance of these extensions as a testament to the company's prowess in power electronics. She stated, “Extending several high-volume programs simultaneously confirms BorgWarner’s leading position in this sector as well as our technology, in-house expertise, and unwavering customer focus.” Such partnerships enable BorgWarner to enhance its inverters generation by generation, thereby fostering long-term alliances with leading OEMs worldwide.
For plug-in hybrid applications, BorgWarner will supply an updated high-voltage inverter design, which will leverage the company’s proprietary Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology. This technology has already been validated within its existing 800V inverter lineup. The advanced design not only aligns with the OEM’s new vehicle operating system but also supports effective electronic control, which is pivotal for system implementation.
Regarding the 800V battery-electric vehicle applications, BorgWarner’s traction inverter integrates a new generation of its Viper Silicon Carbide (SiC) power switches alongside a dual-sided-cooled power module. This leading-edge combination enhances efficiency while remaining cost-competitive, a critical factor in today’s highly competitive automotive market.
The overarching goal for both families of inverters is to empower the OEM to bolster its competitiveness within the marketplace, ensuring that they can provide lower-emission and even emission-free driving options while maintaining high system efficiency. As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards greener alternatives, innovations like BorgWarner's advanced inverter technology play an indispensable role in shaping the future of mobility.
For over 130 years, BorgWarner has paved the way as a transformative leader in mobility innovation. The company remains committed to fostering a cleaner, healthier, and safer future through its ongoing focus on sustainability and technological advancement. With these new contracts, BorgWarner is positioned not just to meet but exceed the growing expectations of consumers and regulatory bodies regarding vehicle emissions and energy consumption in the automotive sector.
In a landscape characterized by rapid advancements and stringent environmental standards, partnerships like this serve as a cornerstone in the race towards sustainable transportation solutions. As BorgWarner presses ahead with these initiatives, the industry waits with bated breath to witness the forthcoming innovations that will emerge from such collaborations with leading OEMs.