onsemi and Schaeffler Advance SiC MOSFET Tech for PHEVs

onsemi and Schaeffler are joining forces to advance silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), aiming to boost efficiency and lower thermal losses in next-generation traction inverters. The move reflects a growing push across the auto sector to extract more performance from hybrid platforms without expanding battery size or complexity.

At the core of the partnership is onsemi’s EliteSiC MOSFET platform, now powering traction inverters developed by Schaeffler. These inverters carry a compact, high-density design that helps automakers shrink component footprints while delivering more power. The devices comply with automotive-grade standards, including ISO certification, making them viable for broad integration across global OEM platforms.

The primary technical benefit of the EliteSiC devices lies in their conduction efficiency. They offer what onsemi claims is the lowest on-state resistance in their class. That directly translates into a reduction in conduction losses—up to 30% compared to previous-generation silicon solutions. Lower losses mean less heat, which eases demands on cooling systems, reduces thermal stress, and supports tighter packaging inside vehicles.

Schaeffler’s traction inverters, using this SiC platform, are intended for integration into a wide range of PHEV architectures. That includes models in markets like Europe and North America, where emission rules and range expectations are pushing OEMs to improve hybrid vehicle efficiency without major redesigns.

Key Benefits and Industry Impact

The collaboration puts both companies in a better position as SiC becomes a preferred material throughout the EV sector:

• Compared with traditional silicon, SiC can operate at higher voltages, temperatures, and switching frequencies, supporting lighter and more efficient powertrains.
• For PHEVs, where system efficiency is tightly linked to real-world electric-only range, SiC-based designs offer a direct path to performance improvements without increasing battery size.
• OEMs gain flexibility in customizing platform outputs for various vehicle classes by using compact, modular inverter solutions.

While full battery EVs tend to dominate headlines, PHEVs remain a large and growing segment, especially in regions where full EV adoption lags or charging infrastructure is uneven. Moves like this indicate a focus on squeezing more from hybrid drivetrains—through smaller, smarter power electronics.

As auto suppliers build out complete SiC power modules, partnerships like onsemi and Schaeffler’s suggest traction inverters may be an early anchor point. It’s a signal that SiC’s role is shifting from high-cost performance option to mainstream platform enabler.