BMW signs long-term supply contract with onsemi
While Tesla seems to intend to reduce the share of SiC components in its powertrains, other car manufacturers continue to rely on energy-efficient SiC technology. BMW, for example, plans to equip its future generation electric cars with EliteSiC devices from onsemi.
The Bavarian manufacturer has signed a long-term supply contract with ON Semiconductor (onsemi). According to this agreement, onsemi will use the EliteSic die 750 V M3 as a full-bridge power module in BMW’s 400-volt drivetrain and supply power of up to several hundred kW. As recently as January, Volkswagen signed a similar sourcing contract with the American power semiconductor vendor.
BMWs carmaker’s strategic collaboration during the development and integration of the electric drivetrain enabled onsemi to provide differentiated and application-specific die solutions, including optimized size and layout as well as high performance and reliability. Enhanced electrical and mechanical characteristics produce high efficiency and lower overall losses while delivering the highest system-level performance.
The companies did not initially provide further details regarding unit numbers and delivery value, but it is known that BMW intends to massively increase the share of electric vehicles in its fleet.
“With maximum range being a primary consideration for purchasing an EV, onsemi’s system approach for optimized performance across all of BMW’s electric vehicles provides a key competitive advantage,” said Asif Jakwani, senior vice president and general manager, Advanced Power Division, Power Solutions Group, onsemi. “In addition, we are able to support the rapidly increasing demand for BMW’s premium EVs by continuously ramping all production steps of our robust, vertically integrated SiC supply chain.”
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