ZF and Cree partner on SiC-based power inverters for EVs

Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA, which manufactures silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) wafers and devices, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG (one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, with 148,000 staff and annual sales of €36.9bn) are intensifying their existing cooperation by announcing a strategic partnership to create highly efficient electric drivelines.

“We’re building on our cooperation with Cree using their Wolfspeed silicon carbide technology and are absolutely convinced that combining our strengths will further improve efficiency and competitive edge for our components and systems,” says Jörg Grotendorst, head of the ZF E-Mobility Division.

In contrast to today’s standard silicon technology, the future use of SiC-based power semiconductors should increase range for electric vehicles. Due to high battery costs, efficient electric drive represents enormous growth potential. In particular, silicon carbide technology - in conjunction with the 800V vehicle electrical system voltage - makes a significant contribution to further increasing efficiency.

“Partnering with a tier-one leading global automotive supplier like ZF for the use of silicon carbide-based power inverters in next generation electric vehicles is indicative of the integral role silicon carbide plays in extending the capabilities of EVs everywhere,” says Cree’s CEO Gregg Lowe.

Cree’s technology will initially be used to fulfill orders that ZF has already received for SiC-based electric drives from several leading global automakers. Through the partnership, ZF expects to make silicon carbide electric drivelines available to the market by 2022.

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Tags: Cree SiC Power electronics

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