Today, General Motors Co. in Detroit announced a strategic supplier agreement to develop and provide silicon carbide power device solutions of future EV programs with Wolfspeed Inc., a leader in the worldwide adoption of silicon carbide and gallium nitride technologies based in Durham, N.C.
Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide devices will enable GM to install more efficient EV propulsion systems that will expand the range of its rapidly growing EV portfolio. It will be used in the integrated power electronics contained within GM’s Ultium Drive units in its next-generation EVs.
“Our agreement with Wolfspeed represents another step forward in our transition to an all-electric future,” says Shilpan Amin, vice president of global purchasing and supply chain at GM. “Customers of EVs are looking for greater range, and we see silicon carbide as an essential material in the design of our power electronics to meet customer demand. Working with Wolfspeed will help ensure we can deliver on our vision of an all-electric future.”
As part of the agreement, GM will participate in the Wolfspeed Assurance of Supply Program, which is intended to secure domestic, sustainable, and scalable materials for EV production.
The power solutions will be produced at Wolfspeed’s 2000 millimeter-capable Mohawk Valley Fab in Marcy, N.Y. which is the largest silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world. Expected to launch in early 2022, the facility will expand the capacity for the company’s technologies.
The widespread adoption of silicon carbide as an industry standard semiconductor for transportation supports the automotive industry’s rapid transition to clean energy vehicles. It enables greater system efficiencies that result in longer range while lowering weight and conserving space.
“Our agreement with GM further demonstrates the automotive industry’s commitment to delivering innovative EV solutions to the market and using the latest advances in power management to improve overall vehicle performance,” says Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed. “This agreement ensures long-term supply of silicon carbide to GM to help them deliver on their promise of an all-electric future.”
