800 V electric vehicles use SiC power electronics
29 March 2023
News
The demand for EV power electronics will increase dramatically in the next ten years, primarily driven by rapid growth in the BEV car market. IDTechEx predicts a 15% CAGR globally over the next decade. Currently, the weighted-average battery capacity of BEV cars is increasing in all regions, piling pressure on battery supply chains, and creating uncertainty. The result is that drive cycle efficiency must come to the forefront of powertrain design, meaning the time has come for high-voltage wide bandgap (WBG) power electronics.
While Silicon IGBTs have dominated the medium-to-high power device range for 20 years, including in EV power electronics, they are now giving way to a new generation of WBG materials: SiC and GaN. This will fundamentally impact the design of new power devices, including the package materials, as high voltage and high power-density modules operating at higher temperatures becomes the trend.
The two drivers often cited to move from 350 ~ 400 V to 800 V and beyond are higher power levels of DC fast charging (DCFC), for example, 350 kW, and drive cycle efficiency gains. DCFC compatibility today is a relatively weak driver due to low availability versus AC chargers and the high costs associated with 800 V infrastructure. In addition, higher levels of DCFC does not necessarily drive a transition to 800 V, although it is more optimal. Tesla is a good example, having deployed 250 kW superchargers without moving beyond its 350 V platform.
The efficiency argument for 800 V is the stronger one. This allows joule losses to be reduced and high-voltage cabling to be downsized. Combined with SiC MOSFETs, it typically leads to 5-10% efficiency gains, which can potentially downsize the expensive battery, save costs, or improve the vehicle’s range, creating a competitive advantage.
Hyundai is currently demonstrating the success of 800 V platforms. Sales of the company’s models using the 800 V E-GMP platform more than doubled in South Korea to around 70 000 units/year, driven by the popularity of the IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. This takes the 800 V car market out of the luxury segment and predominantly into mainstream car segments for the first time. To support the rapid growth, Hyundai diversified its SiC supply partnerships, and signed new deals with Onsemi and STMicroelectronics in 2022 to add to existing relationships with Infineon and Vitesco.
Further reading:
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.
Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
printer friendly version