The collaboration between onsemi, Schaeffler is around the development of a next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform, featuring onsemi EliteSiC silicon carbide MOSFETs integrated into Schaeffler traction inverter.
onsemi and Schaeffler have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership through a new design win with a leading global automotive manufacturer.
The collaboration between onsemi, Schaeffler is around the development of a next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform, featuring onsemi EliteSiC silicon carbide MOSFETs integrated into Schaeffler traction inverter.
This milestone marks a pivotal move in accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency silicon carbide technology in hybrid vehicle systems, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to innovation in electrified mobility.
EliteSiC: Powering the Future of Hybrid Mobility
The traction inverter, which is critical for converting battery power to drive the electric motor, will now benefit from onsemi EliteSiC MOSFETs.
These components deliver superior performance through:
- Industry-leading low on-resistance, enabling optimal power output.
- Significantly reduced conduction losses, improving system efficiency.
- High thermal performance and compact design, facilitating space-saving integration.
- Exceptional short-circuit durability, ensuring reliable and safe operation in automotive environments.
This makes the inverter system not only more powerful but also smaller, lighter, and more cost-efficient—perfect for the new generation of hybrid vehicles.
What This Means for Automakers and Drivers
The integration of silicon carbide technology into the inverter platform has far-reaching benefits:
- Extended range for plug-in hybrid vehicles, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Improved thermal performance, allowing for better durability and longevity.
- Lower energy consumption, resulting in fewer emissions and reduced environmental impact.
- Greater design flexibility for automakers, thanks to more compact electronics.
This enables automotive manufacturers to push the boundaries of hybrid powertrains, delivering better performance without compromising on sustainability or reliability.
A Strategic Shift from IGBT to SiC
This development represents a shift from traditional IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) platforms to SiC-based solutions.
Notably, onsemi has secured its position as the exclusive supplier of silicon carbide devices for this PHEV program—showcasing its leadership in power semiconductor innovation.
This move also highlights the growing industry trend of incorporating SiC not just in high-end battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but now increasingly in more cost-sensitive hybrid platforms as well.
Leadership Perspectives
Simon Keeton, Group President of Power Solutions at onsemi, emphasized that the company’s silicon carbide technology offers a winning combination of efficiency, power density, and thermal control—traits that are critical to advancing modern electrified powertrain systems.
Christopher Breitsameter, Head of Controls and Power Electronics at Schaeffler, stated that the traction inverter is the “heart” of the e-mobility system. He pointed out that onsemi’s SiC technology is key to meeting stringent technical and environmental performance benchmarks set by global automakers.
Deepening a Proven Partnership
This latest project builds upon an established collaboration between onsemi and Schaeffler.
The two companies have worked closely over the years to develop intelligent power solutions tailored for the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
Their shared expertise in power electronics and system-level design is now driving innovation for the next phase of plug-in hybrid technologies, delivering results that benefit automakers, consumers, and the environment alike.
With this expanded partnership, onsemi and Schaeffler are not just advancing a new PHEV platform—they are setting a new standard for high-efficiency hybrid vehicles.
As the global automotive industry continues its transition toward cleaner and smarter mobility, this collaboration stands out as a shining example of how semiconductor innovation and system-level engineering can come together to redefine performance and sustainability.
