German auto supplier Norma Group said it has secured a major order to provide eM-Safe connectors for the battery thermal management systems of a new U.S. electric vehicle platform, with production to begin in 2027.
The order, valued at about 14 million euros ($15.4 million), is expected to cover up to 90,000 vehicles annually through 2034. The connectors will be produced at Norma’s plant in St. Clair, Michigan, and shipped to another supplier for integration.
Norma did not disclose the customer but indicated the new platform would target cost-efficient electric vehicles for broader adoption. The description closely matches Ford’s “Universal EV Platform,” announced earlier this month, which includes plans for a mid-size electric pickup starting at $30,000.
“We have a longstanding relationship with the OEM, as we have been supplying them with joining technology for combustion engine cars for many years. We are now excited to collaborate on the road towards electric mobility,” said Norma CEO Mark Wilhelms. “With our engineering expertise, global quality standards and certifications, we are an ideal development partner for car makers broadening their portfolio of low-emission mobility.”
The eM-Safe connector, developed for battery-electric vehicles, is designed with flow-optimized geometry to maintain cooling fluid pressure and features dual O-ring seals for redundancy against leaks. It also incorporates a Poka-Yoke function, ensuring connections can only be locked when correctly positioned, reducing assembly errors.
“In electric vehicles, leak-free connections are vital to delivering safe, reliable vehicle performance,” said Michael Potts, President Mobility & New Energy at Norma Group. “Our eM Safe quick connector stands out by combining top-tier safety, effortless handling, and exceptional performance – making it the smart choice for modern e-mobility systems.”
