Delphi Technologies is producing a new vehicle propulsion device in China and has commenced deliveries to OEM Geely.
The Suzhou plant set up by Delphi has started fully localised production of a combined inverter and DC/DC converter (CIDD), used in electric vehicles and hybrids to manage their electric drive systems.
“Combining the inverter and DC/DC converter into one unit delivers state-of-the-art efficiency and thermal management as well as reducing cost, weight and packaging requirements,” London-based Delphi said.
Kevin Quinlan, senior vice-president and general manager of the company’s electronics and electrification division, added: “The Chinese market is displaying significant demand for high-quality, next-generation battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.”
The Chinese government is designating plug-in electric vehicles as eligible for subsidies, which the company says is working in its favour.
When announcing the $80m (€68m) Suzhou investment last February, Delphi said the launch would underpin technological developments it is pursuing to meet “diverse local requirements for the Chinese market.”
The factory, which will be fully operational in the second half of 2019, is part of $180m-plus Delphi is currently investing across China. Its workforce will increase to more than 3,500 in 2019, from around 3,000 at present. The company also has sites in Beijing, Shanghai and Yantai.
Delphi specialises in providing electric vehicle and internal combustion engine propulsion systems, and solving emissions and fuel-economy challenges for automotive OEMs.
