In order to be the primary supplier of a complete power box solution for the next generation of traction inverters in Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), Onsemi has signed a long-term contract with Volkswagen Group. This system combines technologies based on silicon carbide into a single module that can scale to different power levels, allowing it to adapt from high-power to low-power traction inverters for all types of vehicles.
The complete power sub-assembly is consolidated into a single, modular, and scalable platform by Onsemi’s comprehensive power system solution, according to Hassane El-Khoury, the company’s president and CEO. The Volkswagen Group now has an improved system that boosts performance and efficiency for their whole line of automobiles thanks to this setup. Furthermore, their creative approach enables power customization and the addition of diverse features for various vehicle types.
Using EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs, Onsemi’s power box solution manages higher power in a more compact shape while drastically reducing energy losses. It has three integrated half-bridge modules on top of a cooling channel, which ensures efficient heat transmission from the semiconductor parts to the coolant casing and increases system efficiency. This improvement increases efficiency, improves heat management, and improves performance, allowing electric vehicles (EVs) to travel farther between charges. By using this integrated solution, Volkswagen Group can continue its leadership in EV technology and make a seamless transition to next EliteSiC-based platforms.
A board member for “Procurement” at Volkswagen Brand and a member of Volkswagen’s Extended Executive Committee Group Procurement, Dirk Große-Loheide, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership and cited onsemi’s extensive vertically integrated supply chain, which spans from raw material cultivation to power box assembly, as a key consideration in their decision.
The strength of Onsemi’s supply strategy, which includes regional silicon carbide manufacturing facilities across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., as well as a commitment to continuously updating to the latest SiC technology to ensure competitive advantage, was further emphasized by Till von Bothmer, Senior Vice President of VW Group Procurement for Powertrain.
Furthermore, Onsemi’s upcoming investment in increasing its silicon carbide production capacity in the Czech Republic will benefit Volkswagen Group. With this expansion, the Volkswagen Group hopes to improve the resilience of its supply chain, optimize logistics, and expedite integration into their manufacturing processes by establishing a comprehensive end-to-end production facility for traction inverter power systems in Europe.
