Supporting all propulsion types – TI Fluid Systems’ approach to hydrogen

As the global automotive industry strives to balance sustainability targets with consumer demands and robust financial performance, TI Fluid Systems (TIFS) is leading the charge with its product portfolio that addresses all propulsion types. By embracing adaptability, our dual approach capitalizes on our dominant position in conventional fluid systems while rapidly scaling for the shift to EVs.

Being ‘propulsion agnostic’ means we design our systems to work seamlessly across diverse propulsion methods, adapting to the demands of ICE, hybrid, electric, and hydrogen applications. This positions the business as a reliable partner for OEMs navigating the energy transition, where versatility and agility are key.

Hydrogen technology is a cornerstone of TIFS’s innovation strategy, as hydrogen-powered vehicles are gaining traction as part of the global push toward zero emissions. These vehicles rely on hydrogen fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. However, the success of hydrogen vehicles depends on the infrastructure being robust, including high-pressure hydrogen lines that efficiently transport hydrogen within the vehicle.

We lead the way in the development of hydrogen lines, a critical component of hydrogen-powered vehicles. These high-pressure lines are designed to transport hydrogen safely from storage tanks to the fuel cell or internal combustion engine.

Here’s why our products stand out:

Durability and safety – TIFS hydrogen lines are engineered using advanced materials capable of withstanding extreme pressures – up to 900 bar – and a wide range of temperatures. This ensures safe and reliable operation under rigorous conditions, a key factor in accelerating hydrogen adoption.

Streamlined, integrated design – by incorporating essential features such as sensors, connectors, and attachment hardware, TIFS hydrogen lines reduce system complexity, improve reliability, and support modular vehicle architecture.

Precision manufacturing – using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, we ensure the highest levels of precision and quality, meeting stringent global safety standards while reinforcing its reputation for engineering excellence.

Hydrogen is more than a technology; it’s a pathway to achieving net-zero emissions. With our expertise and commitment to innovation, TIFS is positioned to lead the global shift toward decarbonized transportation.

Celebrating professional development: Rena Jin’s decade-long journey at TI Fluid Systems

We believe in fostering talent and empowering our employees to reach their fullest potential, and today, we’re thrilled to share the remarkable journey of Rena Jin. Rena has progressed from her role as a legal assistant to a fully qualified member of our legal team, having recently passed the Chinese Legal Exam. We caught up with Rena to get the inside track on her impressive rise through the company and what motivates her.

Q1: Rena, congratulations on passing your legal exams! Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey at TI?

Rena: Thank you! I joined TI in 2014 as an assistant to the Asia Pacific legal counsel. My role involved daily support tasks like legal database management, contract filing, and organizing travel plans. This position allowed me to immerse myself in the legal aspects of our business and sparked my interest in pursuing a legal career.

Q2: What motivated you to transition from an assistant role to pursuing the Chinese bar exam, and how has this achievement impacted your role?

Rena: Working closely with our legal team exposed me to the complexities and importance of legal work within TI. I was inspired by the professionalism and dedication of my colleagues and wanted to contribute more significantly. With strong support from my managers and HR, I enrolled in a two-year Juris Master program at East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, which provided me with a systematic understanding of Chinese legal systems and laws. Preparing for and passing the Chinese bar exam was challenging, but it equipped me with comprehensive knowledge of corporate law and compliance regulations. This accomplishment has enhanced my ability to support the legal team, handle more complex legal matters, and contribute to the company’s success in the Chinese market, which is hugely exciting!

Q3: Balancing work and studies must have been challenging. How did you manage this transition?

Rena: It was definitely a challenge. Time management was essential, and I had to carefully plan my schedule to accommodate both work and study. The support from my supervisors and the company was invaluable – they offered flexibility and encouragement. Additionally, participating in a long-term training program and interning at a law firm helped me gain practical skills and stay motivated.

Q4: Can you highlight some key experiences that have been pivotal in your legal career at TI?

Rena: One significant experience was working closely with our Asia Pacific legal director, Stanley, to resolve customer disputes. Handling these complex cases taught me the importance of legal expertise in risks management whilst maintaining a keen sense of business acumen. Additionally, the experience of seconding at a local law firm and attending court hearings have significantly widened my perspectives in analysing legal issues and developed my problem-solving skills. Supporting corporate governance compliance and new business setups have also been crucial in shaping my strategical thinking.

Q5: How has TI Fluid Systems supported your professional development throughout your career?

Rena: TI has been incredibly supportive of my growth. The legal team’s communication is flat and the culture encourages team members to express our opinions plainly and honestly. The company also invests heavily in employee development, from providing access to professional legal training programs to offering leadership training programs in the UK etc.. I am grateful for the great talent development policy which recognizes people and allows possibilities to happen. Meanwhile, I really appreciate the collaboration and teamwork from legal teammates during study leave, especially mentorship from leaders like Janis, our CLO, has also been instrumental in guiding my career path and encouraging me to take on more responsibilities.

Q6: What advice would you give to colleagues aspiring to advance their careers at TI?

Rena: I encourage everyone to stay curious and proactive in seeking growth opportunities. Don’t hesitate to pursue further education or certifications that align with your career goals. Communicate your aspirations with your supervisors, get necessary support and resources and be ready. Most importantly, maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain your motivation and well-being.

Rena Jin’s journey exemplifies the growth opportunities available at TI Fluid Systems. We congratulate Rena on her achievements and look forward to her continued success.

Supporting the shift: fuel tank adaptations for a hybrid-driven market

As we move toward 2025, it’s clear that hybrid vehicles are no longer just transitional products – they’re evolving into a sophisticated market segment all their own. Hybrid technology has grown from a niche option to a mainstream solution, serving drivers who want better efficiency and lower emissions without fully committing to an all-electric lifestyle. This shift isn’t just about adding a battery to an internal combustion engine; it’s about reimagining nearly every component in the vehicle, including one that’s often overlooked: the fuel tank.

Traditionally, fuel tanks in gasoline-powered cars have been relatively straightforward. But in a hybrid, the tank’s role is more complex. When a car runs on electric power alone, the fuel tank can no longer vent, resulting in increased pressure creating unique challenges in terms of vapor management, fuel tank deformation, and long-term durability. Tanks must handle this increased pressure, sometimes at elevated temperatures – factors that standard designs never had to consider. This is where advanced tank technology steps in, ensuring that hybrids can meet tighter emissions regulations, offer improved reliability, and integrate smoothly with ever-more-sophisticated powertrains.

TI’s engineers have spent decades refining the design and production of blow-molded plastic fuel tanks, originally for traditional internal combustion vehicles. Now we’re adapting and innovating that expertise to address the needs of hybrids. The result isn’t just a slight ‘tweak’ to existing products – it’s a wholesale rethinking of tank architecture. Through close collaboration with leading automakers, we’re developing tanks that are optimized for the unique demands of hybridization. This work includes the application of stiffening solutions and the associated manufacturing processes to withstand increased internal pressures, and the associated vapor-handling requirements required of a hybrid system.

The impact of these new tank technologies extends beyond making hybrids more efficient and eco-friendly. By pushing the boundaries in pressure resistant solutions and advanced production methods, we’re creating a foundation for future developments. Lessons learned today in hybrid fuel tank performance will inform next-generation solutions, whether for plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell cars, or fully electric systems that rely on advanced thermal management. The knowledge gained in meeting hybrid demands allows us to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow’s mobility landscape.

As we look ahead to 2025, the hybrid fuel tank stands as a perfect illustration of how automotive innovation is shifting. No longer is it enough to simply optimize a single component; now, each part of the vehicle must integrate seamlessly into a broader vision of cleaner, more efficient transportation. The fuel tank of the future must serve as both a technical and strategic link – one that helps automakers hit stricter environmental targets while meeting consumer expectations for convenience and reliability.

We’re proud at TI to be doing our part, one advanced hybrid tank at a time, to power the world forward.