Webasto is launching new compact high-voltage heaters (HVH) for electric vehicles. 

The company will unveil the three new electric HVHs with 10 to 12 kilowatts of heating power for electric trucks, buses, construction machinery, and specialty vehicles at the upcoming Truck World at the Toronto International Centre April 18-20. 

Webasto’s new line of compact and efficient High Voltage Heaters – the HVH 100 Compact, HVH 100 Compact+, and HVH 120 – convert electric current into heat with over 95% efficiency, delivering 10-12 kilowatts of heating power, the company claims in a news release, adding the heating process is fast due to the thin heating layer of the HVH which is firmly bonded onto the heat exchanger which has a large contact area.

In addition to providing heat to passenger compartments, the HVH can also optimize the temperature of traction batteries. 

“As the transition to electric fleets accelerates, these compact, yet powerful heaters ensure optimal cabin and battery thermal management. All without compromising vehicle range or performance,” said Taylor Hansen, president of Webasto Thermo & Comfort N.A.

The devices require very little installation space. Measuring 284x200x72 millimetres, the footprint of the HVH 100 Compact and HVH 100 Compact+ is smaller than a DIN A4 sheet of paper and they are only around seven centimeters high. 

The HVH 120 is around four centimeters longer.

The HVH 100 Compact and HVH 100 Compact+ provide up to 10kW heat output capability from 250V to 880V DC systems. Both heaters deliver improved output and control in a smaller package with practically no losses, improving driving range and battery life, Webasto claims.