Cree chosen as silicon carbide partner for Volkswagen’s FAST program

Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA has been selected as the exclusive silicon carbide (SiC) partner for Volkswagen Group’s ‘Future Automotive Supply Tracks’ initiative (FAST). The aim of FAST is to work together to implement technical innovations more quickly than before and to realize global vehicle projects more efficiently and effectively.

“The Volkswagen Group has committed to launch almost 70 new electric models in the next ten years, which is up from our pledge of 50 and increases the projected number of vehicles to be built on the group’s electric platforms from 15 million to 22 million in that timeframe,” says Michael Baecker, head of Volkswagen Purchasing Connectivity. “An effective network is our key to success,” he adds. “Our FAST partners are our strategic partners, each of them outstanding in their respective field.”

Cree’s CEO Gregg Lowe with Michael Baecker, head of Volkswagen Purchasing Connectivity during Volkswagen Group’s FAST partner selection ceremony in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Photograph: Cree’s CEO Gregg Lowe with Michael Baecker, head of Volkswagen Purchasing Connectivity during Volkswagen Group’s FAST partner selection ceremony in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The agreement connects two simultaneous revolutions: the automotive industry’s move from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) and the growing adoption of silicon carbide in the semiconductor market. It should also drive innovation for both parties.

The use of silicon carbide accelerates the automotive industry’s transformation to electric vehicles, enabling greater system efficiencies that result in electric cars with longer range and faster charging, while reducing cost, lowering weight and conserving space.

“Cree’s technology is at the heart of the dramatic change underway in EVs, and we are committed to supporting the automotive industry as it transitions to more efficient, higher-performing SiC-based solutions,” says Cree’s CEO Gregg Lowe. “VW Group is a global power in the automotive field with a strong commitment to electric vehicles, and this partnership will leverage the advantages of silicon carbide to enable longer driving distances, shorter charge times and improved efficiency,” he adds.

Volkswagen Group and Cree will be working with tier-one and power module suppliers to engineer SiC-based solutions for future Volkswagen Group vehicles. The partnership was announced on 10 May. This follows Cree’s announcement on 7 May that it is expanding its manufacturing capacity for silicon carbide MOSFETs and wafers.

See related items:

Cree investing $1bn to expand SiC materials production and power & RF fab capacity by up to 30-fold

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