THE RACE FOR SILICON CARBIDE

Automakers and their suppliers are intensifying their efforts to secure access to silicon carbide semiconductors. According to Bosch, this technology could increase the range of electric vehicles (EVs) by 6 %, while reducing charging times.

In the automotive sector, these chips are mainly used in EV powertrains, inverters, DC-DC converters and on-board chargers. Despite their higher cost compared to traditional silicon chips, global demand for this product is set to grow. In its October 2023 report, McKinsey & Company estimates that it will reach between 11 and 14 billion US dollars by 2030, 70 % of which will be driven by EVs.

To secure this technology of the future, whose efficiency is optimized on 800-volt architectures, multi-billion contracts are being ratified. Even the US Department of Energy is getting in on the act, granting a USD 544 million loan to SK Siltron CSS, a subsidiary of the South Korean conglomerate SK Group, for the expansion of its Michigan plant.

PICTURE CREDIT: Bosch