Top 5 Electric Vehicle HVAC Systems Producing Manufacturers of 2024

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is an integral component in vehicles as it regulates the cabin temperature to ensure that the driver and passengers are comfortable while traveling long distances. The popularity of electric vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years as more customers and companies are looking for various ways to decrease their carbon emissions. This factor has increased the demand for HVAC systems that are energy efficient without compromising on the driver’s comfort and overall experience.

Several electric vehicles are using the heat pump technology to heat or cool the cabin temperature efficiently. The main job of heat pumps is to facilitate the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of a vehicle, which makes them highly fuel-efficient as compared to the traditional resistance-based heating systems. This factor is making them popular among electric vehicle manufacturers as their aim is to decrease the carbon emissions of their vehicles.

Moreover, customers are focusing on increasing their energy savings, which will further boost the use of heat-based HVAC systems that has high heat recovery features. According to several studies, users can save as much as 17-52% energy during the cabinet heating process by substituting the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater with a heat pump. For example, in 2019 MAHLE created an Integrated Thermal System (ITS), which is a heat pump-based system that can be used to heat the cabins of electric vehicles. The newly launched systems offers up to 20% improvement in the range of EVs during winter cruising and high design flexibility. These factors are expected to increase the demand for electric vehicle HVAC systems in the future.

Fortune Business Insights has stated in its report that the market for electric vehicle HVAC is anticipated to record a valuation of USD 24.84 billion by 2032, recording a CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period of 2024-2032.

Here is a list of the Top 5 Electric Vehicle HVAC Systems Manufacturers:

1. Denso Corporation

Denso Corporation is a leading manufacturer of automotive parts, with its headquarters located in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Denso specializes in the design and production of vehicle components, such as hybrid vehicle components, engine parts, electronic systems, temperature control systems, spark plugs, and airbag systems, making it one of the top electric vehicle HVAC systems. It has its business operations in seven segments – powertrain systems, electrification systems, thermal systems, advanced devices, mobility electronics, industrial solutions, and food value chain. The company revealed that, as of 2021, it had employed nearly 17,000 people and 200 integrated systems.

April 2022: Denso Corporation announced that its electrification components were being supplied to Toyota and Subaru for their brand new all-electric vehicles, bZ4X and SOLTERRA. These components include an innovative heat pump system.

2. Valeo SA

Valeo SA is one of the most reputed vehicle component suppliers that designs and manufactures systems, parts, and modules for the automotive sector. It was founded in 1923 and has popular business segments, such as powertrain systems, comfort & driving assistance systems, visibility systems, and thermal systems. The France-based company has its business operations in nearly 29 countries and has established its manufacturing plants across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other regions. It also has as many as 65 research & development centers that help it create futuristic products and services to reduce carbon emissions and enhance users’ driving experience.

3. Hanon Systems

Hanon Systems is one of the key developers and top electric vehicle HVAC systems suppliers. The company has its headquarters in Daejeon, South Korea and delivers systems and products for a wide range of automotive applications. These include ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning, compressors, powertrain cooling, fluid transport, and thermal & emission control solutions. Its products have wide usage in electric, fossil-fueled, fuel cell, hybrid, and autonomous vehicles and conducts its business operations in Thailand, India, Europe, South Africa, Japan, Korea, China, and the Americas. It has also established its innovation centers in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the U.S., while its technical centers are located in Germany and Czech Republic. Hanon Systems also specializes in the production and supply of systems and parts for electrical machines and other industries.

February 2024: Hanon Systems announced that it had reaffirmed its commitment toward creating a clean energy future by launching its innovative heat pump systems and components. These components and systems will help electric vehicle users overcome the challenges associated with maintaining a proper driving range, especially during the winter season.

4. Sanden Corporation

Sanden Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer that conducts its operations primarily through two segments: automotive systems segment and commercial store systems segment. The automotive systems segment is engaged in the production and distribution of air-conditioning systems and compressors. Whereas, the commercial store systems segment specializes in the manufacturing and supply of commercial freezers, automatic vending machines, and refrigerated showcases. Some of the customers of Sanden Corporation include beverage manufacturers, international vehicle makers, and homeowners. The company generates a major chunk of its sales from the Asian market.

June 2024: Sanden Corporation announced that its overseas base in the U.S. had purchased the commercial rights for HVAC products and electric compressors from two upcoming EV makers in North America. Through this move, the company is expected to engage in discussions for launching its first HVAC manufacturing line in the Americas.

5. MAHLE GmbH

MAHLE GmbH is one of the most renowned producers of vehicle parts and supplies its products to automakers and OEMs. The company has its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany and was established in 1920. It carries out its business operations through five main business segments – filtration & engine peripherals, engine systems & components, thermal management, aftermarket, and electronics & mechatronics. It manufactures aluminum & steel pistons & piston rings, bearings, cylinder liners, valve train systems, parts for engine periphery, actuators, electric drive systems, batteries, and fuel cells. It has five business divisions: industrial electronics, automotive electrical systems, connectors, SOMA test technology, and solar electric.

December 2022: Mahle GmbH announced that it had received orders worth USD 1.53 billion for its electric AC compressors from the commercial and passenger vehicle sectors.

What does the future of the electric vehicle HVAC industry look like?

The demand for sustainable mobility solutions is increasing at a rapid pace every year as customers grow more conscious of their carbon footprint. Top electric vehicle HVAC systems producers are also realizing the significance of reducing CO₂ emissions and recognizing the shifting demand patterns, with more customers leaning toward purchasing electric vehicles. These factors have prompted them to develop electric vehicles that are equipped with advanced HVAC systems that minimize fuel consumption, and at the same time, enhance the customers’ driving experience. These initiatives by EV manufacturers will positively impact the market’s progress in the future.