Hanon Systems’ PACE Awards finalist status highlights its advanced thermal management module as a competitive enabler for next-generation EV efficiency and NVH performance
Executive summary: Hanon Systems was named a finalist for the 2026 Automotive News PACE Awards for its Highly Integrated Cooling Entity, a compact module combining key refrigerant thermal management functions. The recognition underscores the company’s role in advancing EV thermal management through improved energy efficiency and NVH performance, which are critical for vehicle range, comfort, and market competitiveness.
Who is involved: Hanon Systems (automotive thermal solutions provider), Automotive News (organizer of the PACE Awards), and EV manufacturers seeking advanced thermal solutions.
Likely next: Hanon Systems may pursue partnerships with EV OEMs to integrate the module into upcoming vehicle platforms, with potential follow-on awards or commercial deployments expected in late 2026 or 2027.
Hanon Systems has been named a finalist for the 2026 Automotive News PACE Awards for its Highly Integrated Cooling Entity, a compact thermal management module that consolidates key refrigerant functions. The innovation supports EV adoption by improving energy efficiency and reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), addressing critical barriers in electric vehicle design. This recognition reflects ongoing industry focus on integrated systems that enhance both performance and user experience in electrified platforms.
Timeline
- — Hanon Systems Named Finalist for 2026 Automotive News PACE Awards (PR Newswire)
- — LG ELECTRONICS' ULTRAVIEW WINDSHIELD DISPLAY NAMED FINALIST FOR 2026 PACE PILOT AWARD (PR Newswire)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- PACE Awards winners to be announced in Q4 2026, typically November
- Hanon Systems to showcase the module at CES 2027 or SAE World Congress 2027
- Potential OEM design wins announced by end of 2026 for 2027–2028 EV models
Sectors affected
- Electric vehicle thermal management
- Automotive HVAC and refrigerant systems
- EV battery cooling and power electronics thermal regulation
Regulatory implications
- EU CO2 emissions standards (post-2025) incentivize efficient thermal systems to reduce EV energy consumption
- US CAFE and EPA greenhouse gas rules encourage NVH-reducing, efficient cabin climate systems
- UN GTR No. 21 on EV safety may indirectly drive adoption of integrated thermal modules for reliability
Historical parallels
- Denso’s 2021 PACE Award win for its heat pump HVAC system, which improved EV range by up to 20%
- Gentherm’s 2019 PACE recognition for climate-controlled seats, advancing zonal thermal comfort in EVs
- Valeo’s 2020 PACE finalist status for its 48V thermal management system, supporting mild-hybrid efficiency