Power electronics market has witnessed an abrupt rise with the popularity of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors and the integration of GaN in EV Power Electronics.
Considered two of the most preferred materials used in ICs and embedded electronics products, silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are often shoe-boxed into telecommunications or optoelectronics applications.
Widening the gap in choosing semiconductor materials, Gallium Nitride (GaN) has shown significant potential in the field of power electronics, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs).
GaN in EV Power Electronics offers a range of benefits, including higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and increased power density, which make it ideal for use in EV power electronics.
The size of the GaN in EV Power Electronics market globally is expected to have reached about $8 billion in annual revenues recently and has been predicted to grow to $18 billion in 2025, out of which $6 billion of the overall increase will be only due to EVs.
One of the leading factors that makes GaN important to EVs is the large number of semiconductors used in electric vehicles.
There is only about $200 worth of semiconductors in ICE vehicles, as compared to about $600 worth semiconductors in an EV.
GaN in EV Power Electronics is also used in power chargers, of which there are now about 200 models on the market that can charge electronics of various sizes and shapes.
Impact of GaN in EV Power Electronics
The potential of Gallium Nitride or GaN in EV Power Electronics in the future is significant. Here are some of the ways GaN is expected to impact EVs:
- Improved Efficiency: GaN-based power electronics offer higher efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based electronics. This means that GaN-based EVs will be able to travel further on a single charge and use less energy overall.
- Faster Charging: GaN-based chargers have the potential to offer faster charging times for EVs. This could help to address one of the major concerns of EV owners, which is the time it takes to charge their vehicles.
- Increased Power Density: GaN technology allows for higher power densities, which means that EVs can be designed to be smaller and lighter, while still delivering the same level of performance.
- Better Thermal Management: GaN-based power electronics generate less heat than traditional silicon-based electronics. This means that GaN-based EVs will be easier to cool, which could lead to improvements in vehicle performance and reliability.
- Reduced Costs: As GaN in EV Power Electronics becomes more widely adopted in the EV industry, economies of scale will lead to lower costs for GaN-based components. This could make EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Companies Utilizing GaN in EVs
Several companies are already harnessing the potential of GaN in EV Power Electronics. Here are some examples.
Tesla
Tesla, the leading EV manufacturer, is using GaN-based power modules in its Model S and Model X vehicles. These modules are designed to improve the efficiency of the vehicles’ drivetrains, resulting in longer range and better performance. Tesla’s use of GaN in EV Power Electronics has helped it to stay ahead of its competitors in terms of EV performance and efficiency.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is another major player in the EV market that is utilizing the technology of GaN in EV Power Electronics. The company is partnering with GaN power semiconductor provider Navitas Semiconductor to develop GaN-based chargers for its upcoming electric vehicles. These chargers will offer faster charging times and higher efficiency, allowing VW to compete with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Infineon Technologies
Infineon Technologies, a leading manufacturer of power electronics components, has developed a range of GaN-based products for use in EVs. These include high-performance GaN transistors and integrated circuits that are designed to improve the efficiency and power density of EV power electronics systems. Infineon’s GaN products are already being used by several EV manufacturers, including BMW and Audi.
Toyota
Toyota is also exploring the potential of GaN in EV Power Electronics. The company has developed a GaN-based power module for use in its hybrid vehicles, which is designed to reduce the size and weight of the vehicle’s power electronics system. Toyota is also working on a GaN-based charger that could offer faster charging times for its EVs.
In a nutshell, the potential for GaN in EV Power Electronics in the future is tremendous.
As the demand for EVs continues to grow, GaN technology will likely play an increasingly important role in the development of next-generation EVs.
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