NTN Europe electrifies its Powertrain product range

In early September, NTN Europe expanded its Powertrain range. The 40 new auxiliary electric water pump part numbers are the first members of the water pump family specifically designed for electric vehicles. Thanks to the expertise of the Group, these original equipment quality parts address a growing demand on the automotive aftermarket.

One year ago, NTN Europe launched a new range of main electric water pumps in the Powertrain family. Comprising 5 OE-quality part numbers marketed under the SNR brand, it served as the manufacturer's initial entry in the internal combustion and hybrid vehicles segment by covering 60% of vehicles registered in Europe. In September 2023, NTN Europe is expanding that range with the addition of 40 auxiliary electric water pump part numbers. The rangenow covers 4,500 applications among the major European and Asian brands of internal combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles, giving itoverall coverage of 75% of vehicles registered in Europe. This expansion is part of the manufacturer's strategy aimed at asserting itself as a premium player in the market based on a full range adapted toall motor vehicle powertrainsand built based on itsOEM experience in electric water pump bearings.

Unlike main electric water pumps, which make it possible to maintain or reduce the temperature of an internal combustion engine electrically (and not via belt drive), auxiliary water pumps (as many as four on some cars) are associated with other components. These latter pumps help cool the turbocharger on internal combustion engines, the battery in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids (HVs), the power electronics, and the gearbox oil, and are even used to regulate the temperature of the air in the passenger compartment.

Given the rapid development of electric models, the electric water pump market is projected to experience exponential growth of +13% to +16% from now till 2030, offering attractive opportunities for manufacturers like NTN Europe with expertise in this segment. EVs and HVs actually heat up more and faster than IC engine vehicles, and therefore require a flawless and efficient cooling systemto optimise the service life of the battery. This phenomenon is even more pronounced with the use of rapid charging, which raises the temperature of the vehicle significantly. Under these conditions, while the air-based cooling system has reached its limits, the liquid cooling system driven by an electric water pump has proven effective. Auxiliary pumps thus have an essential role to play in enabling EVs to benefit from rapid charging, which, with their power and mileage range, represents the future of this market.

To withstand the stresses placed on them, however, electric water pumps have to be strong. Submerged in coolant, their components are continuously wetted and must be absolutely reliable –which is why it is important to select quality parts such as those offered by NTN Europe. As an original equipment manufacturer, the supplier applies its expertise and innovative force for the benefit of the automotive aftermarket. In 2021, for example, the Group developed a specific resin that reducesfriction, thereby enabling these bearings to consume 30% less than the main electric water pump bearings of competitors.For more information about this product range, visit the NTN Europe internet site.