Innovation Segment : Non-storage EV components

Innovation Insights

Silicon Carbide (SiC) Chips to Boost EV efficiency - Bosch

United States

Bosch, the world’s largest automotive supplier is introducing silicon carbide (SiC) chips to help boost EV efficiency by about 6%. SiC semiconductors have better electrical conductivity. This enables higher switching frequencies while also ensuring that much less energy is dissipated in the form of heat.

The addition of carbon atoms to the silicon normally used for semiconductors increases the conductivity of microcircuits on each chip. For the PEM, these chips are used for switching the current polarity for the DC to AC and AC to DC conversion. SiC allows for higher switching frequencies and a 50% reduction in heat dissipation resulting in more power and less energy loss. The bottom line is 6% more driving range from the same battery charge. That means drivers can either go further or get the same distance with a smaller, lighter, cheaper battery.

More details

Innovation themes: Electric motor with a  power rating of 140 kW paired with a two-stage shift element,  2-speed drive consume less energy, Improves EV range, Enhanced acceleration for faster top speed

Relevant for

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Automobile engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Electronics engineer
  • Power electronics engineer
  • Microelectronics engineer
  • Telecommunications engineer

Innovation sector

  • Energy efficiency
  • Energy storage
  • Logistics & transportation

Domain

Energy Efficiency

Energy storage

Sustainable transport

Type of innovation

Core sciences & engineering

Stakeholders

University researcher

Corporate researcher

Startup or entrepreneur

Industry

Transportation & logistics