Infineon Technologies AG and Visteon Corp are joining forces to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in the domain of power conversion systems. This partnership underscores a commitment to advancing the technology that will drive the next generation of EVs, focusing on energy efficiency and system capabilities.

The Significance of Power Conversion in EVs

In electric vehicles, power conversion systems play a critical role in managing the vehicle’s electrical power flow—from the battery to the drivetrain and through various electrical components. Efficiency in power conversion can significantly influence the range, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of an EV. Infineon and Visteon’s collaboration aims to push the boundaries of what is currently possible by leveraging cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors: A Key Ingredient

At the heart of this collaboration are wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, specifically gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) devices. These materials offer substantial benefits over traditional silicon-based semiconductors, such as higher power density and efficiency. Infineon’s CoolGaN and CoolSiC devices are set to play a pivotal role in enhancing these attributes in automotive powertrains.

One of the notable advantages of WBG semiconductors is their ability to handle higher voltages and temperatures, which translates to more robust and reliable systems. This makes them particularly suitable for components like DC–DC converters, battery junction boxes, and on-board chargers, which are crucial for the efficient operation of EVs.

Learn more about the partnership here.

A Synergistic Partnership

Dr. Tao Wang, who leads Visteon's Electrification product line, highlighted that this partnership aligns with their goal to accelerate the transition to a sustainable mobility ecosystem. The collaboration with Infineon enables Visteon to integrate sophisticated semiconductor technologies that are essential for enhancing the efficiency and capability of EV systems.

Infineon’s Chief Sales Officer for Automotive, Peter Schaefer, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, recognizing Visteon as an ideal partner due to their innovative approach and early adoption of new technologies.

Broader Implications for the Automotive Industry

This partnership arrives at a critical time as the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation. With the global push towards sustainability and the increasing demand for energy-efficient transportation solutions, innovations in semiconductor technology play a crucial role in supporting these objectives.

The integration of advanced power conversion devices not only improves the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles but also contributes to reducing their overall system costs. As a result, this could lead to more affordable EVs for consumers, bolstering the adoption rate and paving the way for a cleaner transportation future.

Conclusion

Infineon and Visteon's collaboration is poised to set new benchmarks in the EV industry’s power conversion segment. By focusing on wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies, they aim to enhance the energy efficiency and system performance of next-generation electric vehicles. This partnership not only signifies a step forward in automotive innovation but also aligns with broader environmental goals to create a sustainable and efficient mobility ecosystem.