A system and method for heating a vehicle catalytic converter

A system for heating a catalytic converter comprises a catalytic converter 30 disposed in an exhaust passage 20 for the flow of exhaust gas from an engine of a vehicle. A heat exchanger 40 is in thermal communication with the exhaust passage. A flow passage 50 at least partially surrounds the catalytic converter and is in thermal communication with the heat exchanger. A heat transfer fluid 68 disposed within the passage flows in a cycle around the heat exchanger and the catalytic converter, transferring heat from the heat exchanger to the catalytic converter. Part of the flow passage may be within a thermally insulating jacket 70 around the catalytic converter, and spaced radially outwardly from the catalytic converter by an isolation collar 80. An insulation sleeve or cap 90 may be adjacent an exhaust gas entry or exit point of the catalytic converter. The heat exchanger may be downstream of the catalytic converter.