Mahle unveils latest innovation at Auto Shanghai

Germany's Mahle is showcasing its latest advancements in electrification, thermal management and efficient clean internal combustion engines at Auto Shanghai from April 23 to May 2.

Among the highlights is the world premiere of the bionic radial blower for vehicle air conditioning systems, which improves efficiency while reducing noise.

The design of this new blower is based on the streamlined fins of a penguin, enabling the blades to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance.

As a result, the bionic fan operates at 4 decibels or 60 percent quieter than comparable components, while achieving a 15 percent increase in efficiency as the motor requires less energy due to the optimized design.

The compact design and front-end installation are tailored for tight spaces, making it suitable for the body structure of fuel cell and electric vehicles.

The company's China team has developed a pioneering 800V/11kW silicon carbide bidirectional three-in-one on-board charger that meets ASPICE standards.

This unit incorporates a 3.5kW DC/DC converter and a power distribution unit, ensuring both functional and network safety.

Set to enter mass production by mid-2025, the DC/DC converter has already secured a substantial 200 million euros ($227.1 million) contract with a luxury electric vehicle manufacturer for 2028.

Production of hydrogen engine power units is also ramping up at Mahle's facilities in Nanjing in Jiangsu province and Yingkou in Liaoning province for a major German engine manufacturer.

According to the company, more than 95 percent of its exhibits are either localized or capable of localization, many of which have been developed by local research teams or improved through local design adaptations.

CEO Arnd Franz said China's position as the largest global market and a leader in various fields makes it an ideal place for introducing the latest technologies.

He emphasized that being rooted in China for around 30 years, Mahle's achievements are closely linked to strong partnerships with Chinese enterprises. Mahle will leverage global resources and networks to support Chinese companies in their international expansion initiatives.