BorgWarner wins first Chinese OEM order for aluminum-wire hairpin eMotor in hybrid vehicles

BorgWarner has secured the first business award for its new aluminum-wire eMotor technology from a major Chinese OEM for use in hybrid vehicles.

The motor will be used in several hybrid applications, including as a generator motor and as a traction motor for auxiliary drives. Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.

BorgWarner has worked with the customer across multiple product areas for more than 15 years. The award extends the partnership into a new application by adding aluminum conductors and hairpin winding technology to BorgWarner's hybrid product portfolio.

BorgWarner says that, compared with a conventional copper-wire motor of comparable specifications, the aluminum-wire motor maintains peak torque and peak power. The aluminum-wire motor also reduces wire weight by more than 60% and cost by more than 80%.

"The technology combines aluminum conductors with BorgWarner's hairpin winding expertise to deliver significant weight and cost benefits," said Isabelle McKenzie, Vice President of BorgWarner and President and General Manager of PowerDrive Systems. "Supported by our comprehensive local product engineering and manufacturing capabilities, we have optimized the motor design, manufacturing processes and connection technologies to meet the requirements of hybrid generator and auxiliary drive applications."

Source: BorgWarner