Silicon carbide semiconductors for next generation Yutong e-buses, from Cree and StarPower

Silicon carbide semiconductors from Cree will contribute to power Yutong electric buses. The Chinese manufacturer will in fact deliver in China its first electric bus to use such technology.

Cree has announced that its own 1200V silicon carbide devices are included in a StarPower power module for Yutong new powertrain system. The use of silicon carbide-based power solutions enable faster, smaller, lighter and more powerful electronic systems for commercial electric vehicles, Cree highlights.

Cree and StarPower pushing for silicon carbide adoption

Cree and StarPower are working together to accelerate the commercial adoption of silicon carbide-based inverters in electric bus applications. Yutong will deliver their first electric bus in China to use silicon carbide in its powertrain.

Coupled with StarPower’s power module technology, the use of Cree’s silicon carbide-based MOSFET in the powertrain will help extend driving range while lowering weight and conserving space, Cree says.

The North American company, with headquarter in North Carolina, is committed to driving the global transition from silicon to silicon carbide and is currently expanding manufacturing capacity to support the expected growth of the electric vehicle marketplace. In 2022 the company plans to open the world’s largest silicon carbide fabrication facility in New York while at the same time significantly expanding silicon carbide crystal growth capacity at its operations in North Carolina. The company offers a comprehensive set of silicon carbide and GaN (Gallium nitride) power and RF (radio frequency) solutions through its Wolfspeed business unit.

Driving the change towards electric commercial vehicles

“Cree’s technology is at the heart of the dramatic change underway in electric vehicles for the commercial and consumer markets, and we are committed to supporting the industry as it transitions to more efficient, higher performing silicon carbide solutions,” said Gregg Lowe, CEO of Cree. “The work with StarPower and Yutong Group is a great example of how strong partnerships can deliver innovative solutions to the marketplace. As the world leader in silicon carbide, Cree is continuing to expand capacity to meet market demands with our industry-leading power MOSFETs to help achieve a new, more efficient future.”

“Cree and StarPower’s collective effort in driving the innovation of silicon carbide technology perfectly fits with Yutong’s high-end roadmap of powertrain products.” said Mr. Wei Wei, General Manager, Electronic Devices Business Unit Yutong Group. “This collaboration ensures we are able to provide an even more efficient electric bus through the benefits of silicon carbide”.

“StarPower entered the new energy vehicle market in 2008 and, in that time, we have won the recognition from worldwide new energy vehicle customers as a leader in the space. It’s our great honor to become the power module supplier of the Yutong powertrain system,” said Mr. Shen Hua, CEO of StarPower.