Garrett Motion Inc. said it has received its first serial award in the mobility sector for an oil-free, foil bearing-based centrifugal compressor, selected by Chinese commercial-vehicle HVAC integration company Cling for electric buses and trucks in China. Garrett expects start of production in 2027, with the compressor integrated into Cling’s next-generation electric bus and truck HVAC systems.
According to Garrett, the new HVAC system is intended to increase cooling efficiency and capacity while reducing size and noise levels versus traditional solutions. The company said the technology’s benefits were proven through extensive testing at both Cling and Garrett throughout 2025.
Garrett said the compressor combines an ultra-high-speed motor exceeding 160,000 RPM with an oil-free foil bearing system in a compact package. The company stated the unit delivers performance that is up to 50% smaller, 30% lighter, and 10 dB quieter compared with traditional scroll compressors.
The E-Cooling compressor is designed for integration across a wide range of EV platforms and supports 400V–800V heat pump systems, Garrett said. The company added that it is compatible with low-pressure, low-GWP refrigerants, and that its oil-free design and up to 45,000 hours maintenance free operation have been validated through global testing.
“This collaboration brings Garrett’s cutting-edge centrifugal cooling compressor technology to electric commercial vehicle applications for the first time,” said Olivier Rabiller, President and CEO of Garrett Motion. “By combining our high-speed, oil-free compressor architecture with Cling’s leadership in commercial vehicle HVAC systems, we are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and thermal performance - driving innovation for electric buses and trucks in China and beyond.”
