I thought the same thing about being a heater, but there's PLASTIC pieces along the center so that's out..It looks like the two pieces that run length wise are spring loaded and make some kinda contact at the top when someone sits in the seat.? No, there are no pieces of build sheet under this thing either...It appears to be factory as it has little clips that hold it on and a Chrysler tag on the wiring..I've never seen one before....