Swiss automotive tech company Garrett Motion has secured its first serial production award in the mobility sector from Chinese manufacturer Cling.
The award covers an oil-free, foil bearing-based centrifugal compressor.
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It will be integrated into next-generation heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for electric buses and trucks in China.
Production is scheduled to begin in 2027 following joint testing by the companies during 2025.
Garrett stated that the centrifugal compressor offers higher cooling performance and capacity while reducing size and noise compared with conventional scroll compressors.
The company reported reductions of up to 50% in size, 30% in weight and 10dB in noise levels.
The unit combines an ultra-high-speed motor exceeding 160,000 rpm with an oil-free foil bearing system in a compact configuration.
It is designed for compatibility across electric vehicle platforms, supporting 400V–800V heat pump architectures and low-pressure, low-global-warming-potential refrigerants.
Garrett Motion president and CEO Olivier Rabiller said: “By combining our high-speed, oil-free compressor architecture with Cling’s leadership in commercial vehicle HVAC systems, we are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and thermal performance – driving innovation for electric buses and trucks in China and beyond.”
According to Garrett, the oil-free design enables up to 45,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, validated through global testing, aimed at improving vehicle energy efficiency and driving range while meeting durability and sustainability targets.
The company added that all core technologies have been developed for scalable, automotive-grade manufacturing to support deployment in both electric mobility and industrial applications.
Cling general manager Junfeng Guo added: “Our collaboration with Garrett reflects Cling’s vision to become a leading provider of integrated HVAC and thermal management solutions for commercial vehicles. This partnership will help us push the boundaries of comfort, efficiency, and environmental responsibility across China and global markets.”
