Eaton’s Mobility Group said it has secured a supply agreement with a major global automaker to provide its High-Power Lock Box (HPLB) SQ8 connector system for an upcoming plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform, marking the first deployment of the SQ8 configuration in a PHEV application.
The SQ8 connector system builds on Eaton’s experience in high-current connectivity for demanding automotive environments. The centerpiece of the system is its patented inverted terminal contact design, which uses a stainless-steel spring for sustained contact force and a copper carrier for high conductivity, offering enhanced durability in high-temperature and vibration-intensive applications.
“The HPLB SQ8 connection system is a leap forward in terminal technology. We’ve designed a power-dense, compact and ergonomic solution that delivers performance comparable to bolted connections without the need for specialized tools or high insertion forces,” said John Romain, product management director at Eaton’s Mobility Group.
Eaton said the terminal has demonstrated a 25–35% improvement in current-carrying capability for a given wire size when benchmarked against competitor data. The connector delivers 30–60% more current per unit of volume, enabling lighter and more efficient vehicle power architectures. It is capable of handling up to 270 amps of current with minimal resistance loss.
Unlike traditional high-voltage connectors that require bolt-and-nut assemblies and tools, the HPLB SQ8 features a tool-free push-click-pull mating mechanism requiring less than 75 newtons of force, aimed at reducing operator fatigue and enhancing safety. The system is USCAR-2 T3/V2/S3 validated and designed to be finger-proof per USCAR and ISO standards.
The connector supports 25–70 mm² wire gauges and comes with options for 90° and 180° orientations for space-constrained applications. Other features include QR-code-enabled part traceability and a rated operating temperature of up to 125°C.
Initially introduced in commercial truck platforms and high-current EV systems, the HPLB family now includes the SQ8 variant, which expands applications to heavy-duty pickup trucks, battery disconnect units, DC/DC converters, and other electrified powertrains.