BorgWarner Expands Its Electric Cabin Heater Business

The adoption of more efficient vehicles brings multiple changes to the automotive industry, as the high efficiency vehicles feature a different energy cycle, having a special components requirement.

One example that illustrates this is the fact that electric, hybrid and even certain internal combustion engines-equipped vehicles require a dedicated cabin heater to provide the optimum interior temperature and defrost the windshield in the cold season.

BorgWarner, one of the leading automotive suppliers in the world, is expecting the eco vehicles market to grow and has decided to acquire 100 percent of the cabin heater joint venture, which was formerly run by BorgWarner BERU and Eichenauer Heizelemente. The 50:50 joint-business was established in 2000 to develop and produce electric cabin heaters in Kandel, Germany.

“Whether gasoline, diesel, hybrid or electric, today's more efficient powertrains run cooler. When outside temperatures drop, these engines frequently do not provide enough heat to adequately warm the cabin or defrost the windshield. Installed as heating elements behind the coolant fluid heat exchanger, BorgWarner BERU System's electric cabin heaters generate warmth quickly and efficiently, providing drivers and passengers with a clear view and a comfortable ride. These high-power electric cabin heaters are currently being utilized in BMW Mini E rental vehicles in the United States, Great Britain, Germany and other countries,” stated the press release.

"Trends in electrification and down-sized internal combustion engines are expected to continue to drive demand for electric cabin heaters," explained Dr. Thomas Waldhier, President and General Manager, BorgWarner BERU Systems.