BorgWarner has outlined its supply deal with Suzuki, which sees the German Tier One provide two ‘silent’ chains to the Japanese OEM for its Solio hybrid vehicle. When driving under electric power, the two chains transfer power from the electric motor to the transmission to propel the vehicle. During braking or deceleration, the chains transmit power back to the motor to recharge the battery.
“As our global customers add hybrid electric motors to their propulsion systems, they are discovering the benefits of BorgWarner’s efficient, low noise chains for transmitting torque and solving packaging challenges,” said Joel Wiegert, president and general manager, BorgWarner Morse Systems. “We are excited by this new growth opportunity.”
BorgWarner states that its solution was designed to provide lighter weight, require smaller space and provide lower costs than traditional gear drives. The company continues, stating that the technology provides ‘durable performance, even under high speeds typical in hybrid applications’. BorgWarner also supplies the silent timing chain for the 1.2-liter gasoline engine.