London-based Delphi Technologies is the first in the electric-vehicle industry to begin the volume production of an 800V silicon carbide (SiC) inverter, one of the key components of next-generation electric and hybrid vehicles.

The new inverter allows the use of electrical systems up to 800V, significantly extending electric-vehicle (EV) range and halving charging times compared with current 400V systems.

The technology that supports multi-voltage platforms is an evolution of the company’s proven high-voltage inverter and builds on 25 years of vehicle electrification experience.

Delphi’s 800V inverter uses ‘state of the art’ silicon carbide MOSFET semiconductors.

The company recently secured a ‘landmark’ $2.7 billion order from a leading global OEM for volume production of this technology over eight years.

Launch is expected in 2022, initially for a high-performance vehicle operating at up to 800V.

Richard Dauch, CEO of Delphi Technologies (www.delphi.com), said: “Doubling the voltage from today’s typical 400V brings a substantial range of benefits, both for the vehicle user and for the vehicle manufacturer.

"We have designed this technology to simplify vehicle manufacturers’ multi-voltage strategy as they extend their electric- and hybrid-vehicle ranges.”

At the heart of the new inverter is Delphi’s patented Viper power switch, which combines high levels of integration with ‘unique double-sided cooling’, thereby allowing the company to develop inverters that are 40% lighter and 30% more compact than competitors’ products.

Mr Dauch said the latest addition to the Viper power switch range replaces conventional silicon with silicon carbide, a ‘high band gap’ semiconductor that allows very fast switching and can operate at even higher temperatures.

“The faster switching alone will allow faster, more-compact and lighter motors that offer great efficiency and greater range — and that is in addition to the many benefits of moving to 800V.”