Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 Expected to Get Silicon-Carbide Power Modules

Silicon-Carbide Power ModulesSTMicroelectronics has announced that Hyundai Motor Group will utilize its silicon-carbide power module in a variety of electric vehicles. The Kia EV6 has been confirmed as a model that would receive the additional component, which might boost the vehicle's range by up to 5 percent. Possible recipients of the new module include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60. STMicroelectronics has announced that it will provide the Hyundai Motor Group with ACE PACK DRIVE power modules to increase the range of a number of its Electric Global Modular Platform-based EVs (E-GMP). Although the Kia EV6 has been formally designated as a model that will acquire the new component, it is anticipated that the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60 will also utilize the technology in the future. The five new ST power modules are composed of silicon carbide (SiC), which increases the vehicle's efficiency. They are compatible with various power ratings and voltages up to 1,200 V. According to STMicroelectronics, the SiC-MOSFET-based power modules are constructed using sintering technique and are therefore durable. The old 400 V silicon modules in Hyundai Motor Group EVs will be replaced with the new 800 V SiC modules. Picture Credit: ResearchGate Choi WooSuk, the head of the Electrification Development Center for the Hyundai Motor Group, stated in a prior interview that the SiC power modules might increase the range of an electric vehicle by up to 5 percent. This would improve the range of the Kia EV6 from 328 miles to 344 miles and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 from 338 miles to 355 miles. It is also anticipated that the components will accelerate charging times by up to three times. When customers will be able to purchase automobiles with the most recent STMicroelectronics SiC power modules is unknown.