NSK Ltd.
Corporate Communications Department
NSK-Warner Introduces New Electrical Bypass Plate Delivering Both Electrical Conductivity and Space Efficiency at World-Class Levels
Offering an electrical conductive solution for electrical corrosion and EMC in e-Axles
NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Akitoshi Ichii) announce today that its equity-method affiliate, NSK-Warner K.K. (NWC; Headquarters; Fukuroi City, Shizuoka, President: Kunihiko Akashi), has developed the new Electrical Bypass Plate, which delivers both high electrical conductivity and space efficiency at world-class levels. The product is planned for market launch in 2026, and the company anticipates it will produce ¥1 billion in sales in 2027.
1. Background of Development
As vehicle electrification progresses, extending the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) has become a key challenge. To address that, automakers are adopting higher voltage motors for EV drive units such as e-Axles to improve efficiency and reduce charging time. However, higher voltage motors leak more electricity to the motor shaft, which can cause bearing electrical corrosion,1 leading to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) problems and even vehicle malfunction. Also, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC2) issues in vehicles with complex electrical circuits can lead to malfunctions in components such as the in-vehicle radio and various control units. To counter these issues, there is growing demand for conductive components that can discharge electricity.
As EVs evolve toward longer driving ranges by employing higher voltage motors, the need also grows for more compact, lighter weight designs, and electric conductive components can help meet the related requirements for both high conductivity and space-saving designs.
1 Bearing electrical corrosion: Damage in a bearing caused by high electricity passing through bearing components such as raceways and rolling elements.
2 EMC: The ability of electrical and electronic equipment to operate properly in their electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to other devices.
2. Product Features and Benefits
NSK-Warner’s Electrical Bypass Plate offers world-class performance in both electrical conductivity and space efficiency thanks to the uniquely developed conductive paper it employs as well as its spring-pressed design. It can also be inserted between the bearing and housing, unlike similar products, which require some kind of press-fitting or other equipment to join the components. The new product helps to counter electrical corrosion and EMC, thereby offering superior design flexibility in EV drive units such as eAxles.
(1) High electrical conductivity: Conductive product counters electrical corrosion and EMC
The company has confirmed that this product offers over 10 times the conductivity than the ring-type conductive components from another manufacturer which are widely used around the world in EV drive units (as of October 2025, based on NWC research)
(2) Space efficiency: Required axial space only 0.3mm
The company has confirmed that this product requires less than 1/10 the axial space than the ring-type conductive components described above (as of October 2025, based on NWC research)
3. Technical Overview
This product employs electrically conductive paper for high conductivity and a spring-pressed design for space-efficiency.
(1) Electrically conductive paper
This paper has been developed with new technology which significantly enhances conductivity,3 and it also has a porous structure that enables it to be used in oily environments. NWC possesses advanced paper technology developed for its friction materials, which have been used for many years in vehicles to transfer torque in oily environments. This new conductive paper was developed based on this technology.
3 NWC internal test results confirm that the new paper technology offers 6 times higher conductivity than current technology on the market (as of October 2025, based on NWC research).
(2) Spring-pressed product structure for space saving design
The ring type conductive provides from another company, mentioned above, use a structure in which an electrically conductive brush contacts a spherical surface to a shaft. NWC’s new product, however, maintains stable contact using surface-to-surface contact between conductive paper and the inner ring of the bearing, as the diaphragm spring presses the paper onto the inner ring. This unique design enables the product not only to deliver high conductivity, but also to facilitate space-saving designs.
Electric current flow with this product in an electric drive unit
(a solution for electric corrosion caused by electricity passing through bearing components)
■About NSK-Warner
NSK-Warner has supported the development of the automotive industry for more than half a century since it was founded in 1964 as a joint venture between NSK Ltd. and BorgWarner Inc. in the U.S. Combining the history and advanced technological capabilities of both companies, NSK-Warner has built a position as a specialized manufacturer of clutch products through its consistent research and development system. Today, the company has production facilities in four countries around the world, including Japan, and delivers products reliably to global customers. NSK-Warner is determined to keep creating new customer value by integrating new technologies with its fundamental torque transmission technology. The company’s mission is to contribute to the development of society through technological innovation. NSK-Warner will continue to provide products and services that respond immediately to the social needs of the times and strive to help build a sustainable, prosperous future.
■About NSK
NSK produced the first bearings in Japan in 1916 and over the past 100 years, it has supported the development of industries worldwide by creating various innovative products and technologies in bearings, automotive parts, and precision machinery. Since the early 1960s, the company has expanded overseas and now has operations in about 30 countries. It ranks third in the world in the field of bearings and leads the world in ball screws, electric power steering, and other products.