BorgWarner says it foresees a global shift in vehicle propulsion with 48-volt mild hybrid technologies playing a crucial role in delivering higher fuel efficiency.
Bolstered by its 2015 acquisition of Remy International and its agreement to acquire Sevcon later this year, the company says it has been developing ‘one of the broadest ranges of readily available technologies for 48-volt mild hybrids in the industry’.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
“We are excited about the demand and opportunity for electrified vehicle technologies – it is a turning point for the industry. We believe 48-volt systems offer the high-volume economics that will get us to the ultimate destination of a cleaner, more energy-efficient world,” said James R. Verrier, Chief Executive Officer, BorgWarner. “With our widening breadth of products and deep systems knowledge, BorgWarner can help automakers reach their goals quickly.”
BorgWarner expects 48-volt systems to capture over 60 percent of the global hybrid vehicle market, with an annualised production rate of roughly 25 million units by 2027. BorgWarner’s 48-volt system solutions include the ‘eBooster’ electrically driven compressors and integrated belt alternator starters (iBAS).
Mass production of BorgWarner’s eBooster solution is currently ramping up with the innovative system launching first with three global automakers, including Daimler’s latest 3.0-liter gasoline engine.
“Operating in multiple 48-volt product areas allows BorgWarner to perfect how the individual technologies function as a system,” said Christopher P. Thomas, Chief Technology Officer, BorgWarner. “For example, our engineers have evaluated a 48-volt system that incorporates an eBooster electrically driven compressor and an iBAS to determine the optimal control strategy to most effectively convert the charge in the battery to the needs of the propulsion system.
“This results in efficiency gains that enable engine right-sizing and more optimal matching of the turbocharger and driveline components, creating game-changing opportunities for automakers in packaging space, architecture, design and efficiency. Depending on the baseline and application, fuel economy improvements could be as much as 20%.”
