Auburn Hills-based BorgWarner, a global provider of clean and efficient energy solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles, is ramping up 48-volt mild hybrid technologies in anticipation of a global shift in propulsion demands. Bolstered by its acquisition of Remy International in July 2015, the company has been developing a variety of technologies for 48-volt mild hybrids in the industry.
BorgWarner expects 48-volt systems to capture more than 60 percent of the global hybrid vehicle market, with an annualized production rate of approximately 25 million units, by 2027. The company’s 48-volt system solutions, including eBooster electronically driven compressors and integrated belt interior starters (IBAS) capture and use waste energy to provide additional power, functionality, and efficiency.
“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,” says James R. Verrier, CEO of BorgWarner. “With our widening breadth of products and deep systems knowledge, BorgWarner can help automakers reach their goals quickly.”
Mass production of BorgWarner’s eBooster solution is currently ramping up with three major automakers, including Diamler’s newest 3.0 liter gasoline engine.
“Operating in multiple 48-volt product areas allows BorgWarner to perfect how the individual technologies function as a system,” says Christopher P. Thomas, CTO of 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 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 percent.”
BorgWarner will showcase a variety of combustion, hybrid, and electric technologies at the upcoming Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo in Novi from Sept. 12-14.
