JLR secures EV semiconductor supply

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has partnered with Wolfspeed for silicon carbide semiconductor technology supply for its next generation electric vehicles.

The deal will secure semiconductor supply for JLR’s next generation Range Rover, Discovery, Defender and Jaguar vehicles, the company transforming to an electric-first business and planning to be carbon net zero by 2039.

The new EV inverters using silicon carbide technology will deliver significantly increased powertrain efficiency and extended driving range, JLR explains, adding that strategic partnerships with industry leaders are a cornerstone of its “Reimagine” strategy.

Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide semiconductors have been used in Jaguar TCS Racing Formula E team’s in-house developed powertrains since 2017 and the next generation semiconductors will be produced at the fully automated 200mm silicon carbide facility in Marcy, New York.

Jaguar Racing driver Kiwi Mitch Evans was second in the 2022 Formula E world championship ending in August and is aiming to snatch the top title in season nine of the ABB FIA Formula E world championship starting January 14, 2023, in Mexico City.

Another Kiwi, Nick Cassidy, will be with Envision Racing for the next season, also using Jaguar powertrains, joined by new Envision Racing driver Sebastien Buemi.

Wolfspeed’s advanced silicon carbide technology will be used specifically in the vehicles’ inverter, managing the transfer of power from the battery to the electric motors.

The first Range Rover vehicles with this technology will be available from 2024, and the new all-electric Jaguar brand the following year.

“We are not strangers having collaborated together with the Jaguar TCS Racing team for the last five seasons,” says JLR chief executive Thierry Bolloré.  

“By developing that into a strategic partnership as part of our Reimagine strategy, we can integrate Wolfspeed’s advanced silicon carbide technology into our next generation electric vehicles, delivering extended range and performance capabilities for our clients.”

Wolfspeed president and chief executive Gregg Lowe says it is proud to partner with Jaguar Land Rover, supporting its bold commitment to electrify its brands by using silicon carbide’s superior performance, efficiency and range.

“The energy efficiency of silicon carbide will play an essential role as Jaguar Land Rover pursues its own zero carbon goals, and as the world transitions to an all-electric transportation future.”

Wolfspeed’s technology is powering electric propulsion systems across the entire voltage spectrum – from 400V to 800V.