ST to supply SiC power electronics to Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi for high-speed on-board chargers in next-gen EVs

STMicroelectronics of Geneva, Switzerland has been chosen to supply high-efficiency silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics to Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (Alliance) for on-board chargers (OBCs) in its upcoming electric vehicles.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi plans to use the new SiC power technology to build more efficient and compact high-power OBCs that will further increase the attractiveness of electric vehicles by cutting battery-charging time and enhancing driving range. As Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi’s chosen partner for SiC technology, ST will provide design-in support to help maximize OBC performance and reliability.

ST is also to supply Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi with associated components, including standard silicon devices. The OBCs with ST’s SiC are scheduled to enter volume production in 2021.

EVs need an OBC to handle charging from standard roadside charge points when a dedicated home-charging system or super-charger is not available. The time to recharge is determined by the OBC power rating, and the units in existing EVs have ratings of 3-9kW.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi has already created a 22kW OBC for the Renault Zoe model, which can fully recharge the battery in about 1 hour. Now, by upgrading the OBC to leverage the superior efficiency and small size of ST’s SiC power semiconductors (MOSFETs and rectifier diodes), Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi can further reduce the size, weight and cost while increasing energy efficiency to make future models more attractive for users. The new, compact and high-power OBC gives designers more freedom to style the vehicle and optimize packaging, weight distribution and vehicle drivability.

“As the pioneer and global leader in zero-emission electric vehicles, our objective remains to be the number one provider of mainstream mass-market and affordable EVs around the world,” says Philippe Schulz, Alliance VP Design Electric & Hybrid Powertrain. “The small size, light weight and high energy efficiency we can achieve using ST’s SiC technology in our OBC, combined with the increased battery efficiency, will enable us to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by reducing charging times and extend the range of our EVs,” he adds.

“ST has successfully developed manufacturing processes and established a portfolio of qualified, commercialized SiC products also in automotive-grade version,” says Marco Cassis, president, Sales, Marketing, Communications and Strategy Development, STMicroelectronics. “Building on our long cooperation, we are now working with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi to realize the many advantages SiC can bring to EVs,” he adds. “Moreover, this commitment helps ensure success by increasing the economies of scale to deliver superior-performing SiC-based circuits and systems that are also cost-effective and affordable.”

Tags: STMicroelectronics Power electronics SiC MOSFET

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