Volkswagen Tianjin has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese supplier Leadrive Technology to jointly develop silicon carbide power modules and other electric vehicle technologies, expanding the automaker’s efforts to localise key EV components in China.
The agreement brings power electronics into an existing technical relationship between the two companies. Their earlier cooperation covered electric drive systems and dual-controller solutions for hybrid powertrains.
Partnership Targets Next-Generation EV Technology
The collaboration will cover the development of power semiconductor modules, electronic control systems and complete electric drive solutions.
The companies did not disclose financial terms, production targets or specific vehicle programmes associated with the agreement.
Leadrive said the partnership is intended to help “bring high-performance electrified powertrain technologies into production” while supporting their continued development.
Silicon carbide, or SiC, has become increasingly important in battery-electric vehicles because the material can reduce energy losses in power electronics and improve inverter efficiency. Inverters convert electricity from a vehicle’s battery into the alternating current required to drive an electric motor.
Compared with conventional silicon-based semiconductors, SiC devices can operate at higher voltages and support faster charging, making the technology increasingly relevant to next-generation electric powertrains.
Volkswagen Expands Electric Drive Activities In Tianjin
Volkswagen Automatic Transmission (Tianjin), despite its name, has expanded beyond conventional transmission manufacturing and now plays a broader role in Volkswagen Group’s powertrain and component operations in China.
The facility has increasingly become involved in electric drive technologies, including the development and production of electric motors and other components for electrified vehicles.
The new agreement with Leadrive extends that role into power electronics, an area that is becoming strategically important as automakers seek greater efficiency and performance from electric drivetrains.
The partnership also supports Volkswagen’s “In China, for China” strategy, under which the German automaker has been increasing local development and sourcing to shorten development timelines and work more closely with Chinese suppliers.
Leadrive Builds Integrated Powertrain Technologies
Founded in 2017, Leadrive Technology develops power semiconductor modules, motor controllers and integrated power electronics systems.
The company uses a vertically integrated development model that combines power module technology with electronic control systems and electric propulsion solutions.
For Volkswagen, deeper cooperation with local technology companies provides access to specialised expertise as competition in China’s rapidly expanding EV market intensifies.
The agreement with Leadrive therefore represents another step toward integrating locally developed power electronics and electric drive technologies into Volkswagen’s broader China operations.