BorgWarner has clinched an agreement with a major North American OEM to supply its bi-directional 800V Onboard Charger (OBC) for the automaker’s premium passenger vehicle battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms. The technology leverages silicon carbide (SiC) power switches for improved efficiency and delivers amplified power density, power conversion and safety compliance. Start of production is slated for January 2027.
“This is a big accomplishment for the team at BorgWarner, highlighting our first OBC win with this OEM and marks the first OBC win in North America,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems. “Through our world-class power electronics expertise and market leading status for our 800-volt and silicon carbide technology, we are providing a solution to maximize charging power capabilities, extend power densities and enhance efficiencies while catering to differing grid configurations across regions,” he added.
BorgWarner’s OBC technology is installed in electric vehicles to convert alternating current (AC) from the power grid to direct current (DC) to charge batteries. The OBC is capable of powers ranging from 19.2kW single-phase operation to 22kW three-phase operation. The 19.2kW power level uses two power lines for a single-phase grid connection, which is unique to the U.S. market. The 22kW power level uses a three-phase grid connection and is intended for use in the European market. The 19.2kW single-phase charger is currently the only one of its kind to be introduced into the U.S. market.
The OBC incorporates a bi-directional vehicle-to-load (V2L) operating mode that enables users to use the vehicle battery pack to charge various standalone applications, whichis an increasingly desired feature within the industry. Additionally, both the charger hardware and software are designed and produced by BorgWarner.
BorgWarner Secures Contract with Global OEM to Deliver High Voltage Coolant Heaters
Meanwhile, BorgWarner has also reached an agreement with a major global OEM to supply its 400V high voltage coolant heaters (HVCH) for the automaker’s European light vehicle program. The anticipated start of production for the HVCH technology is in 2026. This business win marks the second HVCH contract secured with the global automaker over the course of two months, with the wins spanning different regions. As a result, BorgWarner is bolstering its position as an agile partner with worldwide solutions to support the OEM with its new and upcoming battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms.
“We are delighted to provide this global OEM with our HVCH technology for its upcoming BEV platforms and continue to build upon our longstanding, excellent relationship,” said Joseph F. Fadool, President and General Manager of BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal and Turbo Systems. “Our engineering team did a fantastic job navigating a series of packaging challenges that arose with this project, ultimately proving that the BorgWarner HVCH was the bestfit, with the adaptability and scalability to meet the customer’s expectations,” he added.
The 400V HVCH features a modular design with high thermal power density crafted specifically for the heating of a pure BEV’s battery and cabin, while offering a lightweight, compact solution to fit the reduced size and weight requirements requested by the OEM. The technology offers enhanced heat transfer to enable fast charging and includes a low switching frequency to optimise cost. Similarly, it satisfies numerous packaging and safety requirements to align with customer needs, including preventing thermal events with a redundant switch that controls temperature and can shut off automatically should it detect an error.
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