BorgWarner announces new orders from China

BorgWarner has announced the first order for its integrated drive module (iDM) from China. It comes from an unnamed “leading Chinese luxury electric vehicle brand”. BorgWarner has also received an order from the Chinese Geely brand Zeekr.

First to the unnamed new customer: Production of the iDM220 e-axle for delivery to China is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023, according to a BorgWarner statement. The drive module delivers 250 kW of power and 5,000 Nm of torque. According to the supplier, the motor with a compact stator of 220 mm external diameter has so-called hairpin windings, in which solid copper rods replace the classic copper wire windings. This means there are no cavities between the wires, which increases the power density.

The iDM also includes a gearbox and a 400-volt silicon inverter. The drive module is a scalable, compact assembly “that enables vehicle manufacturers around the world to produce cleaner and more efficient vehicles,” according to the release. Other customers include the Hyundai Motor Group. It plans to use the iDM (albeit with a 146 mm stator, earning the drive system the name iDM146) in its future small electric car.

“We are pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with this leading Chinese luxury NEV brand by supplying them with our industry leading iDM,” commented Dr Stefan Demmerle, BorgWarner President and General Manager, on the new deal.

Meanwhile, BorgWarner has received another order from the Geely brand Zeekr. This involves the supply of the High Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) for the Zeekr 001. According to the supplier, the tool will help improve battery range “by keeping the battery temperature at an optimal level.” At the same time, the interior is kept at an “ideal” temperature. The Zeekr 001 is based on Geely’s SEA e-platform and is scheduled for delivery in China from October 2021 and in other countries from 2022.

BorgWarner is increasingly entering the supplier market for eMobility components. Against this backdrop, the company completed the acquisition of Delphi Technologies in October 2020. Through the acquired know-how in electronics and power electronics, BorgWarner aims to become one of the leading companies for electric drive systems. This was followed in February this year by the news that the US automotive supplier was also taking over the German battery systems manufacturer Akasol. The closing of this transaction took place in June. Since then, the American company officially owned and 89 per cent of Akasol shares.

borgwarner.com (PDF), borgwarner.com (Zeekr, PDF)