Delphi Technologies’ new 800 V SiC Inverter to cut EV Charging time in half

Delphi Technologies is the first in the industry with volume production of a 800 V silicon carbide (SiC) inverter, one of the key components of highly efficient next-generation electric and hybrid vehicles.

The new inverter enables electrical systems up to 800 volts, significantly extending electric vehicle (EV) range and halving charging times compared with today's state-of-the-art 400 volt systems.

The technology, which supports multi voltage platforms, is an evolution of the company's proven high-voltage inverter and builds on 25 years of vehicle electrification experience. Delphi Technologies 800 V inverter uses state-of-the-art silicon carbide MOSFET semiconductors (silicon carbide-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor wide bandgap technology). The company recently secured a landmark $2.7 billion customer win for volume production of this technology over eight years with a premier global OEM. Launch is expected in 2022, initially for a high-performance vehicle operating at up to 800 Volts.

A few days ago, the company announced that it is partnering with Cree, a leader in silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, to enable next generation of electric vehicles to drive longer distances, have faster charging times and improved efficiency. Delphi Technologies inverters will utilise Cree's Wolfspeed silicon carbide-based MOSFETs.

“Doubling the voltage from today's typical 400 volts brings a substantial range of benefits, both for the vehicle user and for the vehicle manufacturer,” explained Richard F. Dauch, Chief Executive Officer of Delphi Technologies. “We have designed this technology to simplify vehicle manufacturers' multi-voltage strategy as they extend their electric and hybrid vehicle ranges.”

At the heart of the new Delphi Technologies inverter is its patented Viper power switch, which combines high levels of integration with unique double-sided cooling. These critical features allow the company to develop inverters that are 40 % lighter and 30 % more compact than competitor inverter technologies.

The latest addition to the Viper power switch range replaces conventional silicon with silicon carbide, a high band gap semiconductor that allows very fast switching and can operate at even higher temperatures. “The faster switching alone will allow faster, more compact and lighter motors that offer great efficiency and greater range,” explained Dauch. “That's in addition to the many benefits of moving to 800 Volts.”

With the new Delphi Technologies SiC inverter operating at 800 volts, vehicle engineers now have additional flexibility to optimise other powertrain systems. Options include more range or a smaller battery; ultra-fast charging or smaller, lighter, cheaper cables; and greater harvesting of vehicle kinetic energy when braking, further extending vehicle range.

The new silicon carbide Viper power switch fits into the same inverter package as the current silicon switch, reducing engineering costs associated with a technology change and simplifying the design of multiple vehicle performance options. Delphi Technologies integrated DC/DC Converter and Inverter already provides significant savings to OEMs. Delphi Technologies understands how to design and manufacture electronics to automotive grade to withstand that harshness.