Silicon carbide-based semiconductors are the near-future solution for high-power density, high-efficiency power electronics in EVs, offering far greater temperature resistance and faster switching speed than traditional silicon-based systems. They already see extensive use in motorsport applications and in heavy-duty EV powertrains, but to date, the high cost of SiC-based electronics has proved a hurdle to their widespread adoption.

In a move to rectify this situation, the powertrain business area of Continental, Vitesco Technologies, and ROHM Semiconductor, a specialist in SiC power semiconductors, have signed a development partnership, beginning June 2020.