BorgWarner’s high-voltage coolant heater is ready to advance efficiency, safety, and battery performance as OEMs ramp up electrification strategies.
BorgWarner’s high-voltage coolant heater (HVCH) technology, which is designed to optimise both cabin comfort and battery performance in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), has become a key focus in the technological sector.
The HVCH features a compact, modular design to reduce size and weight measures. Its resistive heating element and smart controllers can transfer heat to the coolant efficiently. This enables cabin and battery heating and cooling in cold situations while ensuring stable battery temperatures, supporting faster charging and longer system life. With high power density and low thermal mass, the technology improves both driving experience and energy efficiency.
Solid mechanical durability and safety measures are already built into the platform. Thick-film heating elements are designed to last over 15,000 hours, while anti-vibration construction, non-flammable materials, and functional safety protocols reduce the risk of thermal events. The system is designed to automatically shut down if abnormal conditions are detected, preventing overheating and ensuring reliability.
Recently, BorgWarner has secured two long-term supply agreements. The first marks the company’s initial eHeater deployment in a hybrid programme with one original equipment manufacturer (OEM), involving a 400-volt HVCH platform set for production in 2028. The second contract, proposed for 2028, involves 800-volt HVCH systems for another OEM, extending the technology’s integration into multiple light PHEV models, including a pick-up truck.
According to the company, the contracts reflect growing demand for efficient and safe battery heating technologies as automakers accelerate electrification strategies. “Securing these contracts is a milestone for our company and validates our technology leadership and expertise in battery and cabin heating,” said Dr. Volker Weng, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, Turbos and Thermal Technologies. “We value our strong relationships with both automakers, one marking our first BorgWarner e-heater win with the company and the other building upon our existing partnership through the expanded supply of our HVCHs on additional vehicle platforms,” he added.
