Delphi and Cree partner on Automotive SiC Devices
SiC MOSFETS to increase driving distances, shorten charging times and deliver improved efficiency for next generation EVs
Delphi Technologies a provider of automotive propulsion technologies, and semiconductor firm Cree have announced a partnership to use SiC technology to enable faster, smaller, lighter and more powerful electronic systems for future electric vehicles (EV).
Cree’s SiC-based MOSFET technology will be combined with Delphi Technologies’ traction drive inverters, DC/DC converters and chargers to extend driving range and deliver faster charging times of EVs, while also lowering weight, conserving space and reducing cost.
The Cree SiC MOSFETs will initially be used in Delphi Technologies’ 800 Volt inverters for a premium global automaker. The inverters are being designed to provide vehicle engineers with additional flexibility to optimise powertrain systems. Options include more range or a smaller battery; ultra-fast charging or smaller, lighter, cheaper cables; and greater harvesting of vehicle kinetic energy when brakinge. Production will ramp in 2022.
“Delphi Technologies is committed to providing pioneering solutions to vehicle manufacturers,” said Richard F Dauch, CEO of Delphi Technologies. “Our collaboration with Cree will create a significant benefit to automakers as they work to balance meeting stricter global emissions regulations with consumer appetite for electric vehicles. Overcoming driver anxiety related to electric vehicle range, charging times and cost will be a boon for the industry.”
The adoption of SiC-based power solutions is rapidly growing across the automotive market as the industry seeks to accelerate its move from internal combustion engines to EVs. IHS estimates that, by 2030, 30 million high voltage electrified light vehicles will be sold representing 27% of all vehicles sold annually. Inverters are one of the highest-value electrification components and their efficiency has an industry-changing impact on many aspects of vehicle performance.
“Cree’s technology is at the heart of the dramatic change underway in EVs, and we are committed to supporting the automotive industry as it transitions from silicon-based designs to more efficient, higher performing SiC solutions,” said Gregg Lowe, CEO of Cree. “This partnership with Delphi Technologies will help drive the adoption of SiC in the automotive sector. As the world leader in SiC, Cree is continuing to expand capacity to meet market demands with our industry-leading power MOSFETs to help achieve a new, more efficient future.”
Cree recently announced SiC capacity expansion to generate up to a 30-fold increase in capacity. The company offers SiC and GaN power and RF devices through its Wolfspeed business unit.
