BorgWarner Receives New Xpeng Orders, Debuts Torque Vectoring in Polestar Electric Cars

BorgWarner, a US-based supplier, has announced two significant developments in its electric vehicle technology portfolio. The company has received additional orders from Xpeng for electric motors to be used in new SUV models, and it has unveiled its new torque vectoring system, set to debut in electric cars from Polestar.

Regarding the Xpeng orders, BorgWarner had previously announced in February its plans to produce HVH220 hairpin electric motors for the X9 MPV and the next electric B-segment saloon from Xpeng. Production for these models is set to commence in the third quarter of 2024. Now, just three months later, BorgWarner has disclosed that it will also supply engines of the same type for two SUV models from Xpeng, with production scheduled to start in 2025. The exact value of the orders has not been disclosed.

The HVH220 motor from BorgWarner is capable of operating with a voltage of up to 800 volts and generating up to 300 kW of power. Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager of BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded partnership with Xpeng, stating, “We are continuously developing our HVH technology and want to offer our customers maximum efficiency for the two future SUV models.”

Simultaneously, BorgWarner has revealed that its new torque vectoring system, named ‘eTVD’, will make its debut in the Polestar 3 SUV. The system, currently in production, offers torque vectoring with integrated axle disconnection. Volker Weng, President and General Manager of BorgWarner Drivetrain and Battery Systems, highlighted the benefits of the eTVD system, stating, “In contrast to brake-based systems, torque vectoring prevents unnecessary brake interventions, therefore reducing harshness and vibration.”

Weng also emphasized the importance of sophisticated systems in the evolving automotive market, saying, “With the market transitioning to more software-defined modules and vehicles, it is critical to have sophisticated systems in place, like our eTVD, that can precisely and quickly calculate, predict and control vehicle behavior across a wide range of situations.”

BorgWarner’s eTVD system is set to start production for another major European OEM later this year. The company aims to address market needs with its software, controls, and calibration expertise, as Weng noted, “We have received exceptionally positive feedback from customers regarding their test drive experiences and look forward to addressing further market needs.”