Nio is deepening its strategic partnership with U.S.-based semiconductor supplier onsemi to support the transition of its electric vehicles from 400-volt to 900-volt architectures.
The companies said the collaboration, which has been in place for several years, is being expanded to support Nio’s next-generation EV platforms. The shift to higher-voltage systems is expected to improve driving range, charging speed, and overall vehicle performance.
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At the center of the partnership is onsemi’s EliteSiC M3e technology, a silicon carbide (SiC)-based MOSFET platform designed to reduce energy losses and improve switching performance. The technology is also being adopted by Volkswagen for its upcoming SSP electric vehicle platform, according to the companies.
Onsemi said the system delivers gains in output, thermal performance, and drivetrain efficiency. The technology is already being integrated into Nio’s latest flagship SUV, the Nio ES9, which has been showcased at the Auto China.
“The expanded collaboration builds on a longstanding partnership, which began with onsemi’s EliteSiC technology supporting NIO’s 400V platforms and has evolved into a strategic, system-level alignment,” onsemi said in a statement.
Hassane El-Khoury, President and CEO of onsemi, said the partnership reflects broader shifts in the industry toward closer integration between automakers and semiconductor suppliers. “Electrification is entering a new phase where system efficiency and scalability are paramount. Our expanded collaboration with NIO demonstrates how deep engineering alignment and aligned technology roadmaps can accelerate the transition to high-voltage architectures. With our EliteSiC technology, we are enabling higher performance, improved efficiency, and faster time-to-market for next-generation EV platforms,” he said.
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Alan Zeng, CEO of XPT, Nio’s powertrain division, said the collaboration has evolved alongside the company’s technology roadmap. “NIO has consistently pushed the boundaries of intelligent electric mobility. Our collaboration with onsemi has evolved alongside our technology roadmap—from early 400V systems to today’s 900V platforms. The performance and reliability of onsemi’s EliteSiC technology, combined with strong technical collaboration, are helping us deliver more efficient, high-performance vehicles to our customers worldwide,” he said.
Onsemi, which initially built its business around power semiconductors, has expanded its presence in the automotive sector through silicon carbide technologies. The company supplies components to several automakers, including Nio and Volkswagen, as well as Tesla, Zeekr, BMW, BYD, Hyundai Motor Group, and Mercedes-Benz. It also works with suppliers such as Bosch, BorgWarner, Continental, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Vitesco Technologies.