BorgWarner's ETurbo Powers High-Voltage Hybrids

Jason R. Sakurai
by Jason R. Sakurai

BorgWarner’s eTurbo will power the high-voltage hybrid vehicle of an undisclosed major European OEM. BorgWarner’s electric boosting technology increases engine efficiency and performance while meeting emissions regulations. This will be the first application of its electrically-assisted turbocharger in a high-voltage hybrid.

“Our eTurbo with integrated power electronics is able to deliver electrified boost assistance and recuperation to a wide range of vehicles,” said Joe Fadool, President and GM, BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal and Turbo Systems.

“BorgWarner has a long history with this manufacturer, and we are excited to deliver enhanced engine efficiency and performance with this application.”

The eTurbo mechanical turbocharger has an ultra-high-speed electric motor coupled to the shaft, which can serve as either a motor or a generator. Integrated or semi-integrated power electronics are options.

BorgWarner’s eTurbo provides electrified boost assistance for enhanced response along with standard turbocharger advantages. Claiming a 200 percent faster transient boost response, the eTurbo is said to have a 50 percent reduction in time-to-torque, reducing turbo lag and aiding engine downsizing.

The turbocharger works well with Miller cycle engine concepts, delivering improved fuel economy and reduced emissions without loss of performance.

BorgWarner’s eTurbo can also serve as a generator, able to collect excess exhaust energy and convert it into electrical energy. Repurposing the energy is effective for accessory power or battery charging, enabling smaller battery size usage.

Additional benefits include its ability to decrease emissions through aftertreatment management and air-fuel ratio control.

By having the ability to increase engine backpressure to reduce emissions, the eTurbo supports on-demand exhaust gas recirculation.

High-voltage, eTurbocharged hybrid vehicle production will begin in September 2023.

Audi is one of BorgWarner’s most important customers, according to BorgWarner’s newsletter. BorgWarner Turbo Systems is the sole supplier for all turbocharged Audi compression ignition (CI) engines.

[Image: BorgWarner]

Jason R. Sakurai
Jason R. Sakurai

With a father who owned a dealership, I literally grew up in the business. After college, I worked for GM, Nissan and Mazda, writing articles for automotive enthusiast magazines as a side gig. I discovered you could make a living selling ad space at Four Wheeler magazine, before I moved on to selling TV for the National Hot Rod Association. After that, I started Roadhouse, a marketing, advertising and PR firm dedicated to the automotive, outdoor/apparel, and entertainment industries. Through the years, I continued writing, shooting, and editing. It keep things interesting.

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  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on May 22, 2021

    It would be nice if the article defined what a "high voltage hybrid" is. Does it refer to: - the 48-volt main bus often proposed but not delivered yet (as far as I know) - the usual 360-400 volt hybrid/EV electrics - maybe the new 800 volt systems coming online in the newest EVs

  • FAHRVERGNUGEN FAHRVERGNUGEN on May 24, 2021

    I made nearly the exact same comparo in 2002 when I was looking to by a 3YO '99 off-lease. Ignored the Honda because I don't want vanilla even if competent, and burned the Massimo because it wasn't a 4DSC any longer. Wound up with a GREAT deal on an Avalon XLS Platinum that was so totally Buick it was wonderful...in all black it was a well-composed limo. Much better than the Camry, having had two already by then.

    • FAHRVERGNUGEN FAHRVERGNUGEN on May 24, 2021

      Well, screwed up THAT thread attachment. Pay no attention to that man in front of the triple monitors...

  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh *Why would anyone buy this* when the 2025 RamCharger is right around the corner, *faster* with vastly *better mpg* and stupid amounts of torque using a proven engine layout and motivation drive in use since 1920.
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh I hate this soooooooo much. but the 2025 RAMCHARGER is the CORRECT bridge for people to go electric. I hate dodge (thanks for making me buy 2 replacement 46RH's) .. but the ramcharger's electric drive layout is *vastly* superior to a full electric car in dense populous areas where charging is difficult and where moron luddite science hating trumpers sabotage charges or block them.If Toyota had a tundra in the same config i'd plop 75k cash down today and burn my pos chevy in the dealer parking lot
  • Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh I own my house 100% paid for at age 52. the answer is still NO.-28k (realistically) would take 8 years to offset my gas truck even with its constant repair bills (thanks chevy)-Still takes too long to charge UNTIL solidsate batteries are a thing and 80% in 15 minutes becomes a reality (for ME anyways, i get others are willing to wait)For the rest of the market, especially people in dense cityscape, apartments dens rentals it just isnt feasible yet IMO.
  • ToolGuy I do like the fuel economy of a 6-cylinder engine. 😉
  • Carson D I'd go with the RAV4. It will last forever, and someone will pay you for it if you ever lose your survival instincts.
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