General Motors and Wolfspeed announced that they have reached a strategic supplier agreement on developing and providing silicon carbide power device solutions for GM’s future electric vehicle programs.
Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide devices will enable GM’s electric vehicles to install more efficient propulsion systems and extend their range. The new technology will specifically be used in the integrated power electronics of the company’s next-generation product.
GM claims the widespread adoption of silicon carbide in the industry will support the “rapid transition to clean energy vehicles”, as this technique “enables greater system efficiencies” that will lead to the range extension while lowering weight and conserving space for the electric vehicle.
“We see silicon carbide as an essential material in the design of our power electronics to meet customer demand. Working with Wolfspeed will help ensure we can deliver on our vision of an all-electric future,” comments Shilpan Amin, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.
The silicon carbide power device solutions will be produced at Wolfspeed’s 200mm-capable Mohawk Valley Fab in Marcy, New York, which is “the world’s largest silicon carbide fabrication facility.” The factory is expected to launch in early 2022 and “dramatically expand the capacity” of the company’s technologies.
Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed, says: “This agreement ensures long-term supply of silicon carbide to GM to help them deliver on their promise of an all-electric future.”
General Motors has been busy in the EV world recently, announcing new partnerships for its BrightDrop subsidiary and a new connected software platform.
Keyword: GM Forges Agreement with Wolfspeed to Bring Silicon Carbide to Upcoming EVs