ON Semi's EliteSiC MOSFET technology is expected to be integrated into the eDrive system of Magna, a mobility technology company and one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, contributing to improved electric vehicle driving range and efficiency.

ON Semi, a leader in intelligent power and sensing technology, announced on the 28th that it has signed a Long-Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) with Magna.

This is to enable Magna to integrate Onsemi's Elite Silicon Carbide (hereinafter EliteSiC) intelligent power solutions into eDrive systems.

Magna's eDrive system can improve efficiency and extend the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) by integrating Onsemi's EliteSiC MOSFET technology, providing better cooling performance and faster acceleration and charging speeds.

Furthermore, the combination of ON Semi’s end-to-end silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturing capabilities and the ability to rapidly increase production volume can improve Magna’s vertical integration and streamline the supply chain to meet the growing demand for SiC-based products for electric vehicles.

Asif Jakwani, Senior Vice President of ON Semi’s Advanced Power Division, stated, “With anxiety over driving range remaining the biggest obstacle to the adoption of electric vehicles, ON Semi’s technology extends the driving range of EVs, facilitating the transition to an electric future.” “ON Semi’s latest EliteSiC MOSFET technology increases the power density and efficiency of traction inverters, enabling improved MPGe (gas-equivalent miles per gallon) without compromising driving dynamics or safety,” he said.

Simultaneously with the signing of the LTSA, the two companies also entered into a separate agreement for Magna to invest approximately $40 million in Onsemi’s facilities in New Hampshire, USA and the Czech Republic to procure new SiC equipment to ensure access to future supply guarantees.

Diba Ilunga, President of Magna Powertrain, stated, “We view a stable supply of SiC chips as critical to continuously providing innovative and efficient e-drive systems to our customers. Therefore, we are making continuous investments to increase our SiC production capacity and are building a commercial foundation for the long-term supply of SiC-based chips to advance our electrification strategy and gain a competitive edge.”

SiC is an ideal wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate for high-temperature, high-power applications such as electric vehicles, but it is very difficult to produce. Due to the limited number of manufacturers and the recent increase in demand for SiC-based designs, OEMs and automotive suppliers are making greater efforts to secure a long-term and stable supply.