Silicon Carbide (SiC) in the Automotive Industry

 

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of electric vehicles (EVs). One of the key components driving this change is the use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) in various automotive applications. This blog post will delve into the role of SiC in the automotive industry, highlighting its benefits, key players, and future implications.

Silicon Carbide (SiC): A Game Changer in the Automotive Industry

Silicon Carbide, commonly known as SiC, is a semiconductor that has been gaining substantial attention in the automotive industry. Due to its superior properties such as high-temperature tolerance, high thermal conductivity, and the ability to operate at high voltage levels, SiC is becoming the material of choice for power electronics in EV vehicle.

Automotive Companies Embracing SiC

Automotive OEMs have recognized the potential of SiC and are incorporating it into their vehicles. Here are a few examples:

  1. Tesla: Tesla, a pioneer in the EV industry, has been using SiC MOSFETs sourced from ST Microelectronics in their Model 3 since 2018. - https://www.eetimes.com/sic-technology-powers-the-shift-to-an-all-electric-future/
  2. Toyota: In collaboration with Denso Corporation, Toyota has developed a SiC power semiconductor for use in automotive power control units (PCUs). - https://www.denso.com/global/en/news/newsroom/2020/20201210-g01/
  3. BYD: BYD Semiconductor has developed its own SiC power module. They also have a partnership with Chaojie Co., Ltd., a qualified supplier of BYD and Tesla.
  4. General Motors (GM): GM has announced an agreement with Wolfspeed Inc., securing its chip supply for the company’s future electric vehicle lineup. - https://news.gm.com/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2021/oct/1004wolfspeed.html#:~:text=DETROIT%20and%20DURHAM%2C%20N.C.%20%E2%80%93%20Today,GM's%20future%20electric%20vehicle%20programs.
  5. Volkswagen: Volkswagen has signed a strategic sourcing contract with onsemi for SiC power modules and transistors.- https://investor.onsemi.com/news-releases/news-release-details/onsemi-and-vw-group-cement-strategic-collaboration-silicon
  6. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi: The alliance has chosen STMicroelectronics as the key supplier of SiC power electronics. - https://newsroom.st.com/media-center/press-item.html/c3014.html
  7. Hyundai: Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have signed a strategic partnership with Infineon Technologies AG to secure power semiconductors in support of the growing electric vehicle demand worldwide. There’s also a report that Hyundai MOBIS is considering onsemi as a supplier of SiC power semiconductors.

The Future of SiC in the Automotive Industry

The adoption of SiC in the automotive industry is just the beginning. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, so will the need for efficient, high-performance semiconductors. SiC, with its superior properties, is well-positioned to meet this demand.

In conclusion, Silicon Carbide (SiC) is revving up the future of the automotive industry. With its superior properties and increasing adoption by major automotive and semiconductor companies, SiC is set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of electric vehicles.


Here are some of the link !!

https://www.eetimes.com/sic-technology-powers-the-shift-to-an-all-electric-future/

https://www.denso.com/global/en/news/newsroom/2020/20201210-g01/

https://news.gm.com/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2021/oct/1004wolfspeed.html#:~:text=DETROIT%20and%20DURHAM%2C%20N.C.%20%E2%80%93%20Today,GM's%20future%20electric%20vehicle%20programs.

https://investor.onsemi.com/news-releases/news-release-details/onsemi-and-vw-group-cement-strategic-collaboration-silicon

https://newsroom.st.com/media-center/press-item.html/c3014.html

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