Ideal Power to work with top car maker
Companies to collaborate on developing B-TRAN silicon-based EV-based power module
Ideal Power, the developer of the patented B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch, has entered into a product development agreement with a top ten global automaker.
Under this agreement, Ideal Power will partner with this automaker’s technology development team to develop a custom B-TRAN power module for use in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain inverters in its next generation EV platform.
Ideal Power was selected for this program because B-TRAN potentially offers significant EV inverter efficiency improvements while using the established silicon supply chain.
Under this development program, Ideal Power will also collaborate with a packaging company that will produce the custom B-TRAN modules. The delivery of production-ready B-TRAN-based modules is targeted for 2025.
“We are very excited to engage with another top 10 global automaker and enter into our first B-TRAN development agreement for a custom B-TRAN module,” stated Dan Brdar, president and CEO of Ideal Power. “After a thorough technology assessment, B-TRAN was selected in lieu of several competing technologies, including SiC devices, for its superior performance in EV applications, including low conduction losses, inherent bidirectional capability, and lower cost.
"These characteristics are expected to lead to greater drivetrain efficiency, lower thermal management requirements and greater EV range. As automakers’ engineering teams pursue EV technology roadmaps under intense pressure to lower EV production costs, B-TRAN offers a compelling value proposition.”
B-TRAN potentially offers distinct advantages over other technologies in EV applications. EVs currently cost more to manufacture than internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in automakers needing to reduce cost in order to remain price competitive. After batteries, power semiconductors are the second largest cost component of an EV and typically make up 8-10% of the total electric vehicle production cost.
While SiC-based devices improve efficiency over traditional silicon-based semiconductors, their high cost compared to silicon-based devices adds to the cost challenges of EVs. B-TRAN offers the potential to reduce cost and improve efficiency and vehicle range through its lower conduction losses compared to SiC-based devices.
A silicon-based B-TRAN can offer both improved performance and lower power switch costs. In addition to these benefits, B-TRAN offers a clear roadmap to incorporate the benefits of silicon carbide as its cost and manufacturability profile improves over time.
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