Mahle Unveils Bionic Radial Blower at Auto Shanghai

Stuttgart, Germany- Mahle GmbH., an automotive parts manufacturer, unveils an innovative bionic radial blower for automotive air conditioning systems at Auto Shanghai, inspired by penguin fins for improved efficiency and reduced noise. The blower is 60% quieter and 15% more efficient than similar components. Alongside, MAHLE presents a bionic high-performance fan and battery cooling plate for electric vehicles. The company’s 300 m² stand showcases its focus on electrification, thermal management, and clean combustion engines, part of its MAHLE 2030+ strategy for the future of mobility.

Ms. Jumana Al-Sibai, member of the MAHLE Group Management Board and responsible for the Thermal and Fluid Systems business unit, said, “The development of the new bionic radial blower underscores our comprehensive systems expertise in thermal management and benefits from the use of artificial intelligence.”

The bionic radial blower can be used in all passenger car classes as well as in light and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The technology group is presenting the innovation to the public for the first time at the Auto Shanghai trade fair in China. The motor show is taking place from April 23 through May 2, 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai.

Dr. Uli Christian Blessing, Vice President R&D Thermal and Fluid Systems at MAHLE, said Mahle’s new bionic radial blower, inspired by penguin fins, combines nature-based design with AI-driven engineering. Using its proprietary AI tool, Mahle generated over 30 million virtual designs to optimize blade shape and positioning, leading to a highly efficient, quieter blower. This “superhuman engineering” approach builds on Mahle’s legacy of biomimicry, including bionic cooling plates and high-performance fans for EVs.

MAHLE’s bionic radial blower is positioned in front of the evaporator, enabling a more symmetrical and compact air conditioning system. This space-saving layout frees up room for other components—an especially valuable benefit in battery electric vehicles—making it a smart, innovative alternative to traditional fan designs.