TDK, a major Japanese components supplier, has entered into a partnership with McLaren Racing to supply parts for its Formula E electric vehicles, signaling TDK’s ongoing interest in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Known for its historical roots in cassette tapes, TDK is now one of the leading suppliers in the smartphone battery sector and is diversifying into passive components and sensors to expand its role within the EV supply chain.
TDKâs technology is currently used in Nissanâs e-4ORCE 05 cars, which are part of McLaren’s Formula E lineup, and the company is assessing options to provide additional components, including inverters and sensors. “Formula E technology is always at the cutting edge of EVs, and we want them to utilize our components so we can sharpen our technology,” said Taro Ikushima, CEO of TDK’s Electronic Components Business Company, in an interview.
According to Ikushima, TDKâs emphasis on safety, durability, and longevity in automotive parts is also applicable across other industries.
With automotive components accounting for nearly a quarter of its sales, TDK sees increasing demand for items like ceramic capacitors and temperature sensors, particularly as plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles require 60% to 100% more multilayer ceramic chip capacitors compared to gasoline cars.
As the broader transition to EVs continues, TDK remains focused on growth in this sector, while Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has previously suggested that global EV market share may peak at around 30%.
