BorgWarner, a global leader in clean and efficient propulsion solutions, is driving forward with its electrification strategy, aligning with the growing push towards sustainable mobility. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo – Components Show, the company showcased its latest advancements, engaging in discussions with key stakeholders about localization, technology adaptation, and the future of electric powertrains in India.
In an exclusive conversation with MOTORINDIA, Chandra Krishnamurthy, Global Engineering Director – Systems & Software Engineering, Engineering Excellence, Safety & Security, Johannes Rossmanith, Director – Business Development, Battery Systems, and Sudhir Kumar Chawla, MD (India), Emissions, Thermal & Turbo Systems, shared their insights on BorgWarner’s evolving presence in India and the company’s roadmap for electrification.
A Strong Showcase at Bharat Mobility
Reflecting on the event, the BorgWarner team noted the high level of enthusiasm and engagement from OEMs. The company’s showcase featured a broad range of power electronics products, including high-voltage inverters, chargers, converters, and integrated drive modules that combine electric motors, inverters, and gearboxes.
Krishnamurthy emphasized the significance of these products in enabling OEMs to transition seamlessly to electric mobility. “Our portfolio serves a wide range of applications, from low-power 70-kilowatt systems to high-performance 500-kilowatt solutions. This scalability makes us an attractive partner for OEMs across different segments, from compact cars to high-end performance vehicles,” he noted.
Rossmanith, responsible for BorgWarner’s battery systems, highlighted the growing interest in localized battery solutions. “We are introducing our new LFP battery pack, which is set for production in Europe by 2027 and will soon be offered in India. Localization is a key focus for us, as cost competitiveness is critical in the Indian commercial vehicle market,” he explained.
Chawla added that BorgWarner’s presence at the event underscored its commitment to the Indian market. “The engagement from customers has been very promising. We are seeing strong interest in our high-voltage coolant heater, which marks our entry into EV product sales in India. Discussions around localization strategies have been a core part of our conversations here,” he said.
Localization: The Driving Force
One of the dominant themes across discussions at the event was localization. BorgWarner, while already operating a strong engineering and development presence in India, is looking to further localize its manufacturing footprint.
“India is the next big focus area for us. We have already been successful in the US, Europe, and China. Now, we are listening closely to Indian OEMs to align with their expectations for local production,” Krishnamurthy stated.
To bolster its localization efforts, BorgWarner has significantly expanded its Global Capability Center (GCC) in Bangalore, which now houses over 800 engineers, covering software, hardware, system analysis, and validation. “We started with 60 engineers four years ago; today, we have a fully functional validation lab, a high-voltage dyno, and a dedicated software development leadership based in India,” Krishnamurthy added.
Rossmanith reinforced the company’s commitment to local manufacturing: “Indian OEMs are asking when we will localize, and we are actively working towards that goal. Our focus is to ensure that battery electrification solutions cater to the cost-sensitive and high-volume nature of the Indian market.”
Navigating the Electrification Landscape
As the Indian automotive industry progresses toward electrification, BorgWarner is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this transformation. However, challenges remain, particularly in adapting technology for different vehicle categories and infrastructure constraints.
Chawla acknowledged that while electrification is the long-term goal, alternative powertrains will continue to play a role. “Hybrid, electric, and ICE powertrains will coexist for the foreseeable future. The advantage we have is that our product portfolio is adaptable—whether it’s combustion, hybrid, or full electric, we have solutions ready for every scenario,” he explained.
Rossmanith elaborated on the role of batteries in this transition. “We’ve made significant advancements in battery technology, particularly in energy density. Our LFP batteries are now competing with NMC batteries in terms of space efficiency. We’ve also partnered with leading battery suppliers like BYD to accelerate our development roadmap,” he stated.
The global electrification movement, however, faces varying adoption rates across regions. “Europe and North America are seeing fluctuations due to policy uncertainties, but India remains committed to reducing its fossil fuel imports. That’s why electrification will continue to be a major area of focus here,” Krishnamurthy observed.
The Road Ahead: Growth & Innovation
Looking ahead to 2025, the BorgWarner team remains optimistic about sustained growth in the Indian market. “While the past few years have seen steep growth, 2025 will likely be a stabilization period, with estimated growth rates in the range of 3-5%,” Chawla projected.
Krishnamurthy emphasized the importance of resilience in the company’s strategy. “We have a balanced product portfolio, so if one segment slows down, another picks up. Our ability to adapt and scale across multiple technologies ensures that we remain well-positioned,” he said.
BorgWarner’s long-term vision is clear – establishing a strong local presence while leveraging global expertise. “We don’t see localization as a challenge; we see it as an opportunity. We have already proven our capabilities in global markets, and now, we are fully committed to scaling up in India,” Rossmanith affirmed.
As the industry evolves, BorgWarner’s proactive approach, strong engineering foundation, and robust localization strategy will likely cement its leadership in the electrified future of mobility. “A clean, energy-efficient world is not just our vision – it’s a necessity. Every nation is working towards it, and we are proud to be playing our part in this journey,” Krishnamurthy concluded.