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SOUTHFIELD, Mich.— Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced its Mobility Group was selected by a major global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to supply its High-Power Lock Box (HPLB) SQ8 connector system for a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform. The supplier agreement marks a significant milestone for Eaton as the first deployment of the SQ8 configuration in a PHEV application.
The SQ8 variant of Eaton’s HPLB connector system builds on the company’s legacy of innovation in harsh environment, high-current connectivity. The real breakthrough of SQ8 lies in the terminal design, which is novel and unlike anything else on the market today.
The HPLB SQ8 connection system is a leap forward in terminal technology. We’ve designed a power-dense, compact, and ergonomic solution that delivers performance comparable to bolted connections—without the need for specialized tools or high insertion forces. It’s a game-changer for electrified vehicle platforms. HPLB is future-ready. It meets today’s high-voltage, high-durability demands—and it’s already positioned to scale across the next generation of electrified platforms.
Innovation inside and out
The heart of the HPLB SQ8 system is its patented, inverted terminal contact system, engineered to deliver exceptional electrical performance and long-term durability under high temperatures, vibration and mechanical stress.
Unlike traditional terminals, which rely solely on copper for both conductivity and spring tension, Eaton’s design features a stainless-steel spring to maintain optimal contact force—even after repeated thermal cycling—and a copper current carrier for maximum conductivity. This architecture prevents mechanical relaxation and failure, which are common in high-vibration EV and commercial vehicle environments.
The HPLB SQ8 terminal has undergone extensive internal testing as well as benchmarking against published competitor data, revealing a 25–35% improvement in current-carrying capability for a given wire size. Even more impressive, the system delivers 30–60% more current per unit of volume, enabling lighter vehicle platforms and more efficient power distribution.
High Power. Low Resistance. Zero Hassle.
Carrying up to 270 amps of current with negligible resistance loss, the HPLB SQ8 is built for applications where power density, thermal efficiency, and compact design are critical. It’s ideal for battery disconnect units (BDUs), high-voltage heaters, and propulsion systems in EVs, PHEVs and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Where traditional high-voltage connectors rely on bolt-and-nut assemblies—which require tools and introduce repetitive stress risks—Eaton’s HPLB system is tool-free. A push-click-pull mating process offers secure connections at just 70 newtons of force, eliminating the need for mechanical levers that can lead to operator fatigue.
Key features of the HPLB SQ8 connector system:
Proven, scalable, and ready for what’s next
The HPLB family of connectors was initially introduced in commercial truck platforms, select electric vehicle applications, and high-current heating systems. The SQ4 variant has already seen field use, and now SQ8 is available for use in heavy-duty pickup trucks, BDUs, DC/DC converters and other xEV applications.
As the automotive industry demands higher current with smaller packaging, Eaton is also moving toward vertical integration of the HPLB system to accelerate deployment and meet increasing OEM demand—particularly in teams focused on BDUs and high-voltage distribution.
Learn more about Eaton’s Power Connections solutions.
Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.
Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit http://www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Media contact:
Thomas Nellenbach
(216) 333-2876 (cell)
thomasjnellenbach@eaton.com
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