BorgWarner has acquired an advanced gasoline ignition technology from Florida-based Etatech, Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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The high-frequency ignition technology enables high-performing, lean burning engines to significantly improve fuel economy and reduce emissions compared with conventional combustion technologies, BorgWarner said in a statement.


It added that independent lab tests showed peak energy efficiency improved up to 40%, NOx emissions decreased 80% and CO2 emissions fell 50%.


BorgWarner expects to commercialise the technology, which will replace conventional spark plugs, for powertrain applications across various markets and regions in the next few years, it claimed.


“Our ignition experts at BERU Systems believe this will be the ignition technology of the future. The significant improvements in fuel economy and emissions provided by this technology may revolutionise the industry,” said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner chairman and CEO. “Our focus on reducing emissions, increasing fuel economy and improving engine performance makes this technology a perfect fit for BorgWarner.”

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Unlike traditional engine ignition systems that rely on heat to initiate combustion, the technology generates a high-energy electrostatic field inside the combustion chamber that greatly improves combustion efficiency and speed, and consistently ignites the leanest air-fuel mixtures, the company said.


“With little or no heat-related electrode erosion, maintenance is virtually eliminated. To further improve engine performance, the system electronically controls various characteristics of the combustion cycle, further reducing emissions, improving efficiency and increasing horsepower,” BorWarner said.