Schaeffler announced that it will supply a dual inverter, featuring silicon carbide (SiC) technology from its onsemi, for use in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pickup truck platform in the North American market. The contract covers nearly one million units over its lifetime, with series production scheduled to begin by the end of 2027.

The dual inverter controls two key functions. First, it manages the electric drive for vehicle auxiliary units by integrating a starter-generator into the belt drive of the internal combustion engine, employing conventional silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) for this smaller electric motor.

Second, it serves as a traction inverter for the primary electric drive motor, delivering over 200 kW of output through the use of onsemi’s EliteSiC SiC MOSFETs.

According to Schaeffler, the use of SiC technology in the traction inverter enables very high switching speeds and minimal electrical losses, which supports an extended all-electric driving range for PHEVs. The inverter was specifically designed to meet the requirements of OEMs for installation space, performance and overall inverter efficiency.

“This order recognizes the capabilities of our inverter experts in Deer Park, who were able to realize this highly specialized dual inverter with demanding requirements in a short period of time,” said Thomas Stierle, CEO E-Mobility at Schaeffler. “We are proud to deliver this product for use in plug-in hybrid pickup trucks.”

“We are committed to driving the next generation of electrified mobility through our advanced EliteSiC technology,” said Hassane El-Khoury, CEO of onsemi. “By integrating our silicon carbide expertise into Schaeffler’s dual inverter platform, we are enabling a new standard for plug-in hybrid pickup trucks with extended electric driving range and enhanced vehicle performance.”

Source: Schaeffler