Renault partners on semiconductors

Renault Group has selected STMicroelectronics as a key innovation partner, securing supply of electric and hybrid vehicle advanced power semiconductors to be produced from 2026.

The move comes amid a global semiconductor shortage, predicted by some to last up to two years, with countries like China and the US pouring money into semiconductor manufacturing to meet soaring demand.

The shortage has been reported by media like Auto Express to have hit car production as semiconductors run everything from safety to infotainment systems and are also in high demand for information technology (IT), autonomous and smart vehicles, 5G, smartphones and more.

A “massive investment frenzy” in chip manufacturing is reported by the South China Morning Post, adding that governments are moving to secure supply amid an escalating tech war between China and the US.

The strategic cooperation between Renault and STMicroelectronics is a further step forward in the gradual decarbonisation of the mobility industry through greater energy efficiency and improved energy performance for electric and hybrid vehicles, Renault says.

“STMicroelectronics will develop custom-made products and solutions to further improve the efficiency of Renault Group’s electric and hybrid vehicles.

“These technologies will have significant impacts on electric vehicles’ driving range and charging by reducing power losses and improving efficiency, which will result in lower battery costs, more kilometres per charge, shorter charging time and reduced user-cost.”

The companies will collaborate on the development of efficient, rightsized, and modular components based on the understanding of Renault Group’s technology needs for silicon carbide (SiC) devices, gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, along with related packages and modules.

As Renault’s key innovation partner, STMicroelectronics will benefit from significant volumes guaranteed for the annual usage of these power modules and transistors from 2026-2030, Renault adds. 

“This partnership secures future supplies of key components which will significantly contribute to reducing wasted energy by 45% and decreasing the cost of the e-powertrain by 30%, helping us fulfil our ambition of making electric vehicles affordable, profitable and popular,” Renault Group chief executive Luca de Meo says.

STMicroelectronics president and chief executive Jean-Marc Chery says it’s another step toward decarbonisation as well, with Renault Group aiming for carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050.