Onsemi to supply SiC semiconductors to BMW
Onsemi will also use its silicon carbide technology in BMW electric cars in the future. The US semiconductor manufacturer has signed a long-term supply agreement with BMW for the use of its EliteSiC silicon carbide power module in the manufacturer’s future electric cars.
The US semiconductor specialist did not specify the exact number of units or the financial scope of the long-term supply contract in the announcement. Nor does it mention the agreed delivery period or the planned start of delivery.
Elsewhere, however, Onsemi was much more specific: The EliteSiC 750 V M3 module is to be used. Interesting is also the statement that the semiconductors are to be installed in the electric drive trains with 400 volts. This makes it clear that it is not a component for BMW’s New Class, as this is known to be an 800-volt platform. Concrete BMW models are not mentioned.
In the announcement, Onsemi lists the known advantages of silicon carbide semiconductors over those made of pure silicon, such as better efficiency and thus lower overall losses. However, as part of the strategic cooperation with BMW in the development and integration of the electric powertrain, it has been able to offer the Munich-based company “differentiated and application-specific solutions”, “including optimised size and arrangement as well as high performance and reliability”.
“With maximum range being a primary consideration for purchasing an EV, Onsemi’s system approach for optimized performance across all of BMW’s electric vehicles provides a key competitive advantage,” said Asif Jakwani, senior vice president and general manager of Onsemi’s Advanced Power Division. “In addition, we are able to support the rapidly increasing demand for BMW’s premium EVs by continuously ramping all production steps of our robust, vertically integrated SiC supply chain.”
Onsemi had also entered into a strategic partnership with Volkswagen at the end of January. Still, the deal with the Wolfsburg-based company is for the EliteSiC 1200 V power module. Kia also relies on SiC semiconductors from Onsemi in the EV6 GT.
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