News: Microelectronics
25 April 2022
Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide power modules used in inverters of Lucid Air EV
Wolfspeed Inc of Durham, NC, USA – which makes silicon carbide materials as well as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power-switching & RF semiconductor devices – says that automaker Lucid Motors has deployed its silicon carbide power device solutions in its high-performance pure-electric car – the Lucid Air. Wolfspeed and Lucid have a multi-year agreement for Wolfspeed to produce and supply silicon carbide devices.
Lucid Air’s inverters feature Wolfspeed’s XM3 silicon carbide power modules. With low switching losses, minimal resistance and high power density, the XM3 power modules contribute to the efficiency and power density of Lucid’s 163lb, 670hp (74kg 500kW) electric motor.
Picture: Wolfspeed’s automotive-qualified 1200V silicon carbide XM3 half-bridge power module.
“Lucid’s proprietary powertrain technology – engineered and produced in-house – is at the core of what makes Lucid Air the most advanced and most efficient luxury electric vehicle in the world,” claims Eric Bach, senior VP of product & chief engineer at Lucid. “With the perfect blend of high performance and high efficiency, Wolfspeed’s innovative silicon carbide MOSFET power semiconductors are an ideal fit for Lucid’s advanced technology.”
The Lucid Air will be supplied with Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide semiconductors from its Mohawk Valley Fab in Marcy, NY. Set to open on 25 April, the facility will be the world’s largest 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility and dramatically expand production capacity for Wolfspeed’s power devices. The partnership gives Lucid access to increased capacity to better support its long-term automotive production.
“Lucid Motors is an emerging leader in not only electric vehicles but the entire automotive industry,” comments Wolfspeed’s CEO Gregg Lowe. “As the world advances towards an all-electric future for transportation, silicon carbide technology is at the forefront of the industry’s transition to EVs, enabling superior performance, range and charge time,” he adds. “Our investment in the Mohawk Valley Fab ensures our customers, including Lucid, have access to the advanced products they need to deliver innovative solutions to the market.”
ROHM’s SiC MOSFETs chosen by EV firm Lucid for on-board charging
