NTN has started work to build local manufacturing capability in China for its Resin Mold Insulated Bearings for e-Axle drivetrains in electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).

The Japanese bearings manufacturer said the shift to mass production will take place in stages, depending on market trends and customer demand.

It plans to start supplying prototype samples from China from this month.

In its statement, the company said: “Amid the rapid expansion of EV and HEV markets in China, NTN aims to build a supply capability of responding to anticipated demand growth while enhancing its ability to provide prompt and customer focused support.”

The Resin Mold Insulated Bearings are used to address electrical pitting, which is described as a failure mode linked to electrified vehicle applications.

The product is made by injection moulding an insulating resin layer onto the outer diameter and width surfaces of the bearing’s outer ring.

According to NTN, higher battery voltages in electrified vehicle systems are increasing requirements for electrical insulation performance and reliability in e-Axle bearings.

The company began mass production of the product in Japan in 2025 and has expanded its range of electrical pitting-resistant bearings for electrified vehicles since then.

NTN said setting up manufacturing capability in China is meant to strengthen its solution and supply capabilities in a market where vehicle electrification is progressing ahead of other regions.

Through local production and close customer engagement from the prototype stage, the company said it aims to raise customer value in China and increase global sales of its electrical pitting-resistant bearing range.

The company added: “In recent years, China has experienced rapid growth in its EV and HEV markets. Accordingly, demand has been increasing for e-Axle bearings that offer high resistance to electrical pitting and strong reliability, along with a stable local manufacturing capability.”