BorgWarner has entered into a partnership with Zeekr Intelligent Technology Co, owned by Geely. BorgWarner plans to supply its advanced High-voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) to Zeekr’s new Zeekr 001 electric sedan.

The HVCH technology was developed to meet the demand for fast-acting solutions as the thermal management systems of vehicles increasingly become decoupled from the internal combustion engine, permanently in the case of electric vehicles (EVs) and for longer parts of the drive cycle in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

By offering consistent temperature distribution inside the battery pack and its cells, BorgWarner’s coolant heaters can be used for improving battery energy performance in EVs and HEVs. In addition it allows comfortable cabin temperatures to be generated in a short time enabling a better driving and passenger experience. With high thermal power density and fast response time due to their low thermal mass, these heaters also extend pure electric driving range as they use less power from the battery.

“We are excited to offer our innovative heater technology, which solves two problems in a single device, to Zeekr 001. Our High-voltage Coolant Heater will help them improve battery-operated range by controlling the battery temperature at an optimal level while also increasing passenger comfort through delivering an ideal interior climate,” said Joe Fadool, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal and Turbo Systems. "BorgWarner’s extensive range of advanced battery and cabin heater systems are widely recognized by global OEMs as they improve the efficiency of their cars and help them meet the latest clean mobility trends.”

The HVCH uses the latest thick film element (TFE) technology. Developed to meet demand for high-performance systems that quickly generate heat, the HVCH’s heating elements are immersed in coolant so that power losses are minimised. Moreover, the technology allows for direct temperature sensing. The HVCH is available in two versions – single plate and dual plate – both integrated into robust aluminum housings that provide excellent electromagnetic shielding. Suitable for applications with supply voltages between 180 and 800 volts, the HVCH offers a power range of 3 to 10 kW. The devices are protected from overheating, as the system switches off automatically in the event a failure occurs.

The new Zeekr 001 equipped with BorgWarner’s HVCH is scheduled to roll out later this year.