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MICHIGAN, 1 September 2023: Redefining electric vehicle (EV) performance, BorgWarner, a global mobility solutions leader, and STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor powerhouse, have joined forces to empower Volvo Cars’ electrification journey. Through cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) technology, they are paving the way for more efficient and high-performance EVs. Let’s explore how this collaboration is shaping the future of Volvo’s electric vehicles.
Enhancing Volvo’s EV Appeal
BorgWarner’s collaboration with STMicroelectronics promises to make Volvo’s electric vehicles even more enticing. Their partnership centers around the delivery of third-generation 750V SiC power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) for BorgWarner’s proprietary Viper-based power module. This module plays a crucial role in BorgWarner’s traction inverter platforms, which are integral to several current and upcoming Volvo Cars EVs.
Volvo’s Electrification Goals
Volvo Cars is committed to becoming fully electric by 2030, and this collaboration is a vital step toward achieving that goal. Javier Varela, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO of Volvo Cars, emphasizes that this partnership will enhance the appeal of Volvo’s EVs by extending their range and enabling faster charging. It also reinforces Volvo’s strategy of increased vertical integration and control over critical components.
BorgWarner’s Commitment to Electrification
Stefan Demmerle, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager of PowerDrive Systems, expresses the company’s enthusiasm for collaborating with ST and supplying Volvo Cars with inverters for their next-generation BEV platforms. BorgWarner’s dedication to electrification aligns seamlessly with Volvo’s ambitions for a greener future.
Optimizing SiC Technology for Superior Performance
To fully harness the capabilities of ST’s SiC MOSFET dice, BorgWarner worked closely with ST’s technical team. They meticulously paired ST’s SiC dice with BorgWarner’s Viper power switch, resulting in optimized inverter performance. This collaboration has not only enhanced performance but also led to the development of a compact and cost-effective architecture, aligning with the demands of the rapidly growing EV market.
Expanding SiC Capacity for Global Electrification
Marco Monti, President of Automotive and Discrete Group at STMicroelectronics, highlights their commitment to expanding SiC capacity. ST’s high-volume STPOWER SiC products are manufactured in advanced facilities in Italy and Singapore, with packaging and testing carried out in Morocco and China. Additionally, ST is poised to bolster its SiC supply, including vertical integration, as it ramps up production to support global automotive and industrial customers in their transition to electrification and higher efficiency.
Conclusion
BorgWarner’s collaboration with STMicroelectronics represents a significant stride in the electrification of Volvo Cars. By integrating advanced SiC technology, these companies are making Volvo’s electric vehicles more appealing, efficient, and high performing. This partnership exemplifies the commitment of industry leaders to drive the shift toward electrification and sustainability. As Volvo works toward its 2030 goal of being fully electric, innovations like these are at the forefront of shaping a cleaner automotive future. Stay tuned for more developments in Volvo’s electrifying journey.
