Delphi partnering with Cree for automotive silicon carbide devices

Automotive propulsion technology provider Delphi Technologies PLC of London, UK and Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA have announced a partnership to utilize silicon carbide (SiC) device technology to enable faster, smaller, lighter and more powerful electronic systems for future electric vehicles (EV).

The aim is for Cree’s SiC-based metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technology coupled with Delphi’s 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. Cree’s SiC MOSFETs will initially be used in Delphi’s 800V inverters for a premium global automaker. Production will ramp in 2022.

“Delphi Technologies is committed to providing pioneering solutions to vehicle manufacturers,” says the firm’s CEO Richard F. (Rick) Dauch. “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,” he adds. “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. By 2030, 30 million high-voltage electrified light vehicles will be sold, representing 27% of all vehicles sold annually, forecasts IHS. 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 silicon carbide solutions,” says Cree’s CEO Gregg Lowe. “This partnership with Delphi Technologies will help drive the adoption of silicon carbide in the automotive sector,” he adds. “Cree is continuing to expand capacity to meet market demands with our industry-leading power MOSFETs.”

Cree recently announced a silicon carbide capacity expansion to generate up to a 30-fold increase in capacity. The firm offers silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) power and radio-frequency solutions through its Wolfspeed business unit.

Operating at 800V, Delphi’s new silicon carbide inverter is targeted at providing vehicle engineers with additional flexibility to optimize other 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 braking, further extending vehicle range.

Tags: Cree Wolfspeed SiC Power electronics

Visit: www.cree.com

Visit: www.delphi.com