NTN Expands Resin Mold Insulated Bearings Production for EV and HEV e-Axles in China

NTN Corporation announced on May 20 that it has started efforts to establish local manufacturing capabilities in China for its Resin Mold Insulated Bearings designed for e-Axles used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The initiative is intended to strengthen the company’s ability to respond to the rapidly growing demand for electrified vehicle components in the Chinese market while improving local customer support and supply responsiveness.

The company stated that the expansion aligns with the accelerating growth of EV and HEV adoption across China. NTN aims to create a localized supply structure capable of supporting future market requirements for drivetrain-related technologies. By establishing manufacturing readiness within China, the company expects to enhance operational flexibility and shorten supply lead times for customers operating in the country’s fast-moving electrification sector.

NTN Targets Localized EV Bearing Supply in China

Resin Mold Insulated Bearings are specifically developed to address electrical pitting, a common issue associated with electrified vehicle applications. Electrical pitting can occur when stray electrical currents pass through bearings, potentially causing surface damage and reducing durability. NTN’s solution applies an insulating resin layer to the outer diameter and width surfaces of the bearing’s outer ring using an injection molding process. This structure helps suppress electrical current flow and improves bearing reliability in EV and HEV drivetrain systems.

The company began mass production of the product in Japan during 2025 and is now extending its manufacturing preparation activities into China. NTN plans to start supplying prototype samples to customers in China from May 2026. Following the prototype phase, the company intends to gradually transition toward mass production depending on market conditions and customer demand trends.

Production Timeline for NTN Resin Mold Insulated Bearings

The move highlights NTN’s broader strategy of strengthening its electrification-focused product portfolio and regional manufacturing footprint. As EV and HEV production volumes continue to rise in China, suppliers are increasingly localizing advanced drivetrain technologies to improve supply chain efficiency and support automotive manufacturers with faster product availability and technical collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are NTN Resin Mold Insulated Bearings used for?
NTN Resin Mold Insulated Bearings are designed for e-Axles used in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. These bearings help prevent electrical pitting caused by stray electrical currents in electrified drivetrain systems. NTN applies an insulating resin layer to the bearing surface through an injection molding process, which improves durability and operational reliability. The technology is particularly important for modern EV and HEV applications where electrical current management is critical for long-term component performance.

When will NTN begin supplying insulated bearing products in China?
NTN plans to start supplying prototype samples of its Resin Mold Insulated Bearings in China from May 2026. The company is currently building local manufacturing readiness to support future production activities. After the prototype supply stage, NTN intends to gradually shift toward mass production depending on customer requirements, market demand, and broader growth trends in China’s EV and HEV sectors.