News: Microelectronics
25 June 2021
ST to design, develop and make SiC- and GaN-based transistors, packages and modules for Renault
A strategic cooperation has been announced for independent device manufacturer STMicroelectronics of Geneva, Switzerland to design, develop, manufacture and supply products and related packaging solutions for the power electronics systems of battery-operated and hybrid vehicles to France-based automotive manufacturer Renault Group. It is expected that these technologies will have significant impacts on the driving range and charging of electric vehicles (EVs) by reducing power losses and improving efficiency, resulting in lower battery costs, more kilometres per charge, shorter charging time and reduced user-cost.
The aim of the collaboration is to improve the power performance of Renault’s applications for electric and hybrid vehicles, based on ST’s wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies and products. The firms will collaborate on the development of efficient, right-sized and modular components based on the understanding of Renault’s technology needs for silicon carbide (SiC) devices, gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, along with related packages and modules. As Renault’s key innovation partner, ST will benefit from significant volumes guaranteed for the annual usage of these power modules and transistors during 2026-2030.
“We are delighted to work with market leader STMicroelectronics to integrate their advanced power electronics and to co-develop technologies to further improve the energy capacity of our electric and hybrid vehicle batteries and their performance on the road and when charging,” says Renault Group’s CEO Luca de Meo. “This partnership secures future supplies of key components which will significantly contribute to reducing wasted energy by 45% and decreasing the cost of the e-powertrain by 30%, helping us fulfil our ambition of making electric vehicles affordable, profitable and popular,” he adds.
“With higher-efficiency products and solutions based on advanced materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, we will support Renault Group’s strategy for its next generation of electric and hybrid platforms,” says STMicroelectronics’ president & CEO Jean-Marc Chery. “This partnership will be another step forward in the progressive decarbonization process initiated by the mobility industry and its supply chain.”
It is reckoned that the transition to more energy-efficient technologies and improved power performance for the operation of full-electric and hybrid vehicles will enable Renault to continue making improvements to carbon emissions reduction, in line with its objective of achieving carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050.
