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BorgWarner to supply bi-directional 800-volt onboard charger to major North American OEM

January 09, 2024

BorgWarner has secured a contract with a major North American OEM to provide its bi-directional 800V Onboard Charger (OBC) for the automaker’s premium battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms. The OBC utilizes silicon carbide (SiC) power switches to enhance efficiency and increase power density, power conversion, and safety compliance. The production is set to commence in January 2027.

The OBC technology by BorgWarner is installed in electric vehicles to convert alternating current (AC) from the power grid to direct current (DC) for battery charging. The OBC can handle power levels ranging from 19.2kW in single-phase operation to 22kW in three-phase operation. The 19.2kW power level uses two power lines for a single-phase grid connection, a feature unique to the U.S. market. The 22kW power level uses a three-phase grid connection, intended for use in the European market. The 19.2kW single-phase charger is currently the only one of its kind introduced into the U.S. market.

The OBC also features a bi-directional vehicle-to-load (V2L) operating mode, allowing users to use the vehicle battery pack to charge various standalone applications. Both the charger hardware and software are designed and produced by BorgWarner.

“This is a big accomplishment for the team at BorgWarner, highlighting our first OBC win with this OEM and marks the first OBC win in North America,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems. “Through our power electronics expertise and our 800-volt and silicon carbide technology, we are providing a solution to maximize charging power capabilities, extend power densities and enhance efficiencies while catering to differing grid configurations across regions.”