Mercedes to source SiC semiconductors from Wolfspeed

According to electrive, Mercedes-Benz has established a strategic partnership with Wolfspeed to supply silicon carbide power semiconductors. Wolfspeed's SiC semiconductors will be integrated by Mercedes-Benz into drive systems for future electric vehicle platforms.

Wolfspeed did not disclose the agreed supply or financial scope of the strategic agreement in the statement. The advantages of silicon carbide semiconductors are well known compared to components made of pure silicon: they work more efficiently, which in itself reduces energy consumption (or losses). Since they also generate less waste heat, smaller and lighter cooling systems can be installed, increasing savings. The end result is that EVs have longer ranges and shorter recharging times.

Wolfspeed will supply Mercedes-Benz from its production plants in Durham (North Carolina) and Massey (New York). The Massey plant will start production in 2022. 200mm wafers can be produced there. The planned Durham facility is expected to expand the company's SiC production capacity by more than tenfold. Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in fiscal 2024.

According to Wolfspeed, Mercedes-Benz, as "a leading supplier of luxury vehicles," understands the need for exceptional performance. Mercedes plans to use its own semiconductors to "bring some of the most efficient electric vehicles on the road." The Stuttgart-based manufacturer plans to roll out the new electric platform from 2025. Technical details about the platform, such as voltage levels, are not yet known.

"Based on a long history of technical cooperation between our companies, we have now selected Wolfspeed as one of our key partners for future silicon carbide components, ensuring the preferred long-term supply, technology and quality of this critical semiconductor component for our electrification offensive" May Said Gunnar Güthenke, Head of Purchasing and Supplier Quality at Seyster-Benz. Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe added: "We continue to invest in our manufacturing capabilities to support a steeper demand curve for silicon carbide devices, which will not only improve the performance of electric vehicles and drive greater consumer adoption, but also Also supporting the sustainability efforts of global automotive leaders such as Mercedes-Benz."

According to reports, Jaguar Land Rover will also adopt Wolfspeed's SiC semiconductors in its next-generation electric vehicles. Wolfspeed and JLR announced their partnership for this purpose earlier in November. General Motors is also one of Wolfspeed's customers. The US automaker uses Wolfspeed's silicon carbide components in the integrated power electronics of its "Ultium Drive" units - suitable for both 400 and 800 volts.