BorgWarner Deploys STMicroelectronics Silicon-Carbide Technology for Volvo EVs

Volvo’s next-generation EVs will rely on silicon carbide (SiC) power modules from BorgWarner to boost their efficiency and charging speed. The BorgWarner Viper power modules will incorporate third-generation 750-volt silicon carbide power MOSFETs from STMicroelectronics.

“This collaboration will give Volvo Cars the opportunity to further increase the attractiveness of our electrical vehicles with longer range and faster charging,” explained Javier Varela, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO, Volvo Cars. “It will also support us on our journey towards being fully electric by 2030 and strengthen our increased vertical integration and our control of critical components.”

BorgWarner Solidifies Silicon Carbide Supply with Investment

Substituting silicon carbide for silicon semiconductors in EV power electronics is worth a 3.5 percent increase in driving range, Rivian Senior Director for Electric Power Conversion, Silva Hiti, told Design News during an August visit to that company.

BorgWarner says its engineers collaborated closely with ST’s technical team to match their die with BorgWarner’s Viper power switch to maximize inverter performance, minimize size, and reduce cost. Partnering also helps BorgWarner and STMicroelectronics deliver the production volume Volvo expects to need.

“Our collaboration with BorgWarner, a leading global automotive supplier in electrification, will enable Volvo Cars to offer their customers superior vehicle performance and range,” said Marco Monti, STMicroelectronics president of the Automotive and Discrete Group. “We are committed to expanding SiC capacity and to reinforcing our SiC supply, including through vertical integration, as we ramp up volumes to support our global automotive and industrial customers in their shift to electrification and higher efficiency.”

ST is making the STPOWER SiC products in its fabs in Italy, and Singapore, with advanced packaging and testing at its back-end facilities in Morocco and China.