Delphi Introduces 800 V SiC Inverter, Secures $2.7 Billion Order

Delphi's 800 V silicon carbide inverters initially will be used in a new high-performance vehicle.

Delphi Technologies 800V SiC Inverter

Mark Kane

By: Mark Kane

Sep 17, 2019 at 9:47am ET

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Delphi Technologies this month boasts that it has become the first in the industry with volume production of an 800-volt silicon carbide (SiC) inverter for electric and hybrid vehicles.

The silicon carbide power electronics (inverters, chargers) are characterized by significantly higher efficiency than conventional ones, which first of all translates into more range. The secondary outcome is less heat from switching losses, which directly allows making the inverter smaller and lighter. As the voltage goes up, also all the high-power cables can be noticeably lighter than in 400 V systems.

We already know that Tesla is using silicon carbide power electronics, which enabled (among other changes) to noticeably bump range of the recently upgraded Model S/Model X (Raven versions). However, Tesla is not yet at 800 V.

"Delphi Technologies 800-volt inverter uses state-of-the-art silicon carbide MOSFET semiconductors (silicon carbide-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor wide band gap 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."

If the first volume production of SiC inverters is going to happen in 2022, one might wonder about what to call the current 800 V projects (including the Porsche Taycan) - well, those are probably considered the first, relatively low-volume projects.

What do you think?

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Here is more about the technology from Delphi:

"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 percent lighter and 30 percent more compact than competitor inverter technologies.

The latest addition to the Viper power switch range replaces conventional silicon with SiC, 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,” explains 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 optimize 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 SiC 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."

Delphi Technologies Viper 4 Switch - Close Up

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Delphi Technologies’ new industry-leading 800-volt SiC inverter to cut EV charging time in half.

Company solidifies technology leadership in electrification by being first in the industry with volume production of an 800-volt silicon carbide inverter.

FRANKFURT, September 11, 2019 – Delphi Technologies is the first in the industry with volume production of an 800-volt 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 when 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-volt inverter uses state-of-the-art silicon carbide MOSFET semiconductors (silicon carbide-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor wide band gap 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 SiC semiconductors, to enable the next generation of EVs to drive longer distances, have faster charging times and improved efficiency. Delphi Technologies inverters will utilize Cree’s Wolfspeed® silicon carbide-based MOSFETs.

IHS estimates that up to 45 percent of global vehicle production will be electrified by 2025, with around 46 million electrified vehicles being sold annually, rising to up to 57 percent by 2030 (around 62 million vehicles annually). Inverters are one of the highest-value electrification components and their efficiency has an industry-changing impact on many aspects of vehicle performance.

“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,” explains Richard F. Dauch, chief executive officer, Delphi Technologies. “We have designed this technology to simplify vehicle manufacturers’ multi-voltage strategies 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 percent lighter and 30 percent more compact than competitor inverter technologies.

The latest addition to the Viper power switch range replaces conventional silicon with SiC, 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,” explains 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 optimize 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 SiC 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.

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Delphi Introduces 800 V SiC Inverter, Secures $2.7 Billion Order

Delphi's 800 V silicon carbide inverters initially will be used in a new high-performance vehicle.

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Delphi Technologies’ new industry-leading 800-volt SiC inverter to cut EV charging time in half.