US semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi has entered into a strategic partnership with Volkswagen to supply components for a complete traction inverter solution for use in a next-generation Volkswagen electric platform. The partnership will see Onsemi supply its EliteSiC 1200 V silicon carbide power module to Volkswagen as a first step. The number of units or the financial scope of the order were not disclosed.
Onsemi has not specified which Volkswagen vehicle platform is involved, but it is speculated that the SiC semiconductors are part of an overall system optimization for the PPE or the revised MEB+ platforms, both of which are expected to enter production before the SSP. Teams from both companies have been working on optimizing the power modules for more than a year, with pre-production samples under development and evaluation.
Onsemi’s broad manufacturing presence and its end-to-end SiC supply chain positions the company to meet the demands of OEMs for supply assurance, said Simon Keeton, executive vice president and general manager, Power Solutions Group at Onsemi. This partnership with Volkswagen comes after Onsemi announced in January that it is the supplier for the SiC semiconductors in the Kia EV6 GT and will also supply the Hyundai Group for other high-performance EVs.
“The superior performance and quality of Onsemi’s traction inverter modules together with our joint efforts to create the best system solution enable us to deliver the outstanding driving experience and quality customers expect from a VW group vehicle,” said Karsten Schnake, head of the COMPASS operational and strategic semiconductor taskforce at Volkswagen AG. “Onsemi’s broad portfolio of intelligent power and sensing solutions further allows us to offer cutting-edge technologies and features in our EVs, from the traction inverter and beyond.”
“Our broad manufacturing presence – including a robust end-to-end SiC supply chain – positions Onsemi to meet OEM demand for supply assurance,” said Simon Keeton, executive vice president and general manager, Power Solutions Group at Onsemi. “Our investment in ramping up production globally, particularly in silicon carbide, also enables us to support VW’s rapidly scaling EV production.”
