In a stride towards a greener automotive future, Webasto, renowned for its cutting-edge automotive solutions, has offered a sneak peek into its expanding array of high-voltage heaters tailored for hybrid and electric vehicles. The spotlight shines on the pioneering Next Generation Coolant Heater, a revolutionary platform-based electric heating system making its debut, alongside novel offshoots of the proven HVH 100 heater.
Webasto’s Next Generation Coolant Heater marks a departure from the traditional aesthetic of high-voltage heaters. Boasting a compact, lightweight, and eco-conscious design, this innovation promises to usher in a new era of efficiency and adaptability for the Munich-based enterprise. The true novelty lies in its unified platform, a flexible foundation that can be customized to meet a diverse spectrum of customer requirements. At its core lies groundbreaking heating technology, seamlessly integrated into a space-optimized heat exchanger. One of the most intriguing features is its compatibility with both 400- and 800-volt vehicle architectures, making it a versatile solution for the ever-evolving electric vehicle landscape. With a scalable heating capacity ranging from three to nine kilowatts, the product’s nomenclature, such as the Webasto HVH 90 Next Generation Coolant Heater, reflects its impressive power output.
Webasto’s strategic maneuver is already bearing fruit, as it secures a significant European order for the Next Generation Coolant Heater, though specifics remain confidential. The underlying strength of this innovation lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate into various vehicle architectures, irrespective of voltage and heat output. As per the company’s projections, vehicles equipped with the new HVH technology are anticipated to hit the roads within the next two years.
Marcel Bartling, Chief Technology Officer of Webasto SE, voices his enthusiasm for the innovative concept: “The concept is our answer to wide-ranging customer requirements and allows us to scale along demand.” This modular approach to production not only enhances flexibility but also enables streamlined automation, geared towards accommodating higher manufacturing volumes.
Webasto also touts significant advancements in weight reduction and material sustainability. “The aluminum content of the Next Generation Coolant Heater is reduced by almost 50 per cent compared to the actual 10 kilowatt variant, ensuring a weight reduction of 30 percent,” says Bartling, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
The innovative heating systems cater to the thermal needs of both the vehicle’s cabin and its batteries. Having already introduced the HVH 100, an 800-volt coolant heater with 10 kW capacity, in 2019, Webasto is now poised to expand its offerings further. The HVH 100 Compact, a compact variant with equivalent heating prowess, is set to make its market debut in 2024. Additionally, Webasto will introduce the HVH 120, boasting a remarkable 12 kW heating capability, specially designed for commercial vehicles.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve towards electrification, Webasto’s forward-looking innovations signal a step towards heightened efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability in the electric vehicle domain. With its commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, Webasto is positioned as a trailblazer in shaping the future of automotive heating solutions.
