Copper-based materials are the primary choice for current-carrying friction components and are widely used in applications such as electromagnetic railguns, electrical contacts, electrically conductive slip rings, and pantograph plates. However, their friction losses under current-carrying conditions require increased attention. Pure copper is prone to adhesive wear against counterface materials during dynamic current-carrying friction. Furthermore, traditional Cu alloys exhibit significant fluctuations in the friction coefficient under low contact pressure and high current density, and they are susceptible to arc ablation and other forms of interface instability. These problems lead to substantially increased wear rates, which severely compromise service reliability. In recent years, researchers have explored various coating systems to improve the current-carrying friction performance of copper-based materials across diverse service environments. As a representative MAX phase material (general formula M_{n + 1}AXₙ), Ti₂AlC exhibits a unique layered hexagonal structure combining metallic and ceramic attributes. This ternary carbide demonstrates exceptional performance under extreme conditions, including elevated temperatures, corrosive environments, and tribological stresses. During frictional contact, the surface-initiated oxidation of Ti₂AlC facilitates the formation of a protective oxide layer, effectively reducing friction coefficients through its intrinsic self-lubrication mechanism. With electrical conductivity comparable to that of metals, Ti₂AlC demonstrates particular promise for applications such as electromagnetic railguns and electrical contacts, exhibiting stable contact resistance and low wear rates under current-carrying conditions. Hence, Cu–Ti₂AlC composite coatings were fabricated on Cu alloy surfaces using spray granulation and supersonic flame spraying techniques. The phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical characteristics of the coatings were systematically characterized through XRD, SEM, microhardness testing, and scratch testing. The Cu–Ti₂AlC coating exhibits a conductivity of 28% IACS, an average hardness of 209.2 HV_0.1, a bonding strength of 48 MPa, and a fracture toughness of 9.6 MPa·m^1/2, demonstrating excellent comprehensive performance. Comparative investigations of the tribological performance and wear mechanisms of Cu alloy and Cu–Ti₂AlC coatings under current-carrying and non-current conditions were conducted using a current-carrying friction–wear equipment. The Cu–Ti₂AlC coating demonstrated superior current-carrying performance compared with the Cu alloy. The results demonstrate that the Cu–Ti₂AlC coating effectively mitigates adhesive wear, suppresses the formation of Al-rich deposition layers, the friction coefficient is lower compared to Cu/Al. , and enhances wear resistance. The effects of current (0–120 A) and friction load (20–40 N) on the current-carrying friction properties of the coatings were investigated. The optimal performance of the coatings occurred at 80 A and 30 N, under which the coating exhibited the minimum wear rate, and a synergistic wear mechanism was identified, involving electrical erosion, fatigue wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear.