Hanon Systems Surpasses 1 Million Units in Cumulative Production of Eco-Friendly Electric Compressors

Supplied to European Automakers from the Portugal Plant

Hanon Systems announced on September 16 that the cumulative production of its electric compressors utilizing the natural refrigerant 'R744' has surpassed 1 million units. This achievement comes about a year and a half after reaching the 500,000-unit mark in January last year, highlighting Hanon Systems' technological capabilities and competitiveness in the eco-friendly electric compressor market.

Hanon Systems produces the 'R744' electric compressor at its dedicated automotive compressor plant in Palmela, Portugal, and supplies this component to the Volkswagen Group's electric vehicle-exclusive 'MEB platform' in Germany. Recently, driven by the growth of the electric vehicle market in Europe, demand for R744 compressors has also increased significantly.

Hanon Systems R744 Electric Compressor. Provided by Hanon Systems

R744 is a natural refrigerant well known as carbon dioxide (CO₂). With a global warming potential (GWP) of just 1, it is gaining attention as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional refrigerants. The electric compressor is a core component of electric vehicle heat pump systems, playing a key role in providing cabin comfort and optimizing vehicle performance.

The R744 electric compressor minimizes the environmental impact of electric vehicles while alleviating the issue of reduced driving range in cold climates. At the same time, it meets increasingly stringent environmental regulations and contributes to the global expansion of electric vehicles.

As the industry's first developer of the natural refrigerant R744 electric compressor, Hanon Systems has accumulated long-standing expertise in the field of thermal management solutions using refrigerants.

Lee Sooil, CEO of Hanon Systems, stated, "Surpassing the 1 million unit production milestone is the result of strengthening our leadership in eco-friendly technology based on synergies within the group," adding, "It is an important milestone that demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable future."

Hanon Systems began producing mechanical compressors at its Palmela, Portugal plant in 1988 and launched its first electric compressor in 2009. In 2018, to meet growing global demand, the company expanded with a two-story building of approximately 33,000 square meters, establishing a mass production system from 2019 onward.