onsemi and NIO Deepen Collaboration to Accelerate 900V EV Platforms with EliteSiC Technology

Semiconductor company onsemi and EV maker NIO are expanding their partnership to build next-generation 900V electric vehicles.

This move is a direct response to intense competition in China's EV market, where ultra-fast charging has become a key battleground.

The timing is ideal, as new manufacturing technology is making the core component, Silicon Carbide (SiC), more affordable and accessible.

ONNIO

Onsemi and NIO have announced a significant expansion of their partnership, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicle technology in China.

At its core, this collaboration is about accelerating NIO's shift to a more powerful 900V EV platform, using onsemi's cutting-edge EliteSiC technology. Think of the EV platform as the car's fundamental skeleton and nervous system, and 900V represents a major leap in its power capacity. This allows for dramatically faster charging and better overall efficiency, which are critical in today's competitive market.

So, why is this happening now? The decision is driven by a clear causal chain. First, the Chinese EV market is in the middle of a 'fast-charging arms race.' Companies like Huawei and BYD are showcasing systems that can charge a car in mere minutes. For NIO to stay ahead, adopting a higher-voltage system isn't just an upgrade; it's a strategic necessity to meet consumer expectations for convenience and performance.

Second, the technology itself offers compelling advantages. Higher voltage systems, when paired with Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductors instead of traditional silicon, are far more efficient. They waste less energy as heat, which translates directly into longer driving ranges and shorter charging times. This 'high-voltage + SiC' formula is becoming the gold standard for high-performance EVs.

Finally, the economics are aligning perfectly. 2026 is expected to be a turning point for SiC manufacturing, with the industry shifting to larger 200mm wafers. This transition promises to lower the cost of SiC chips, making it commercially viable for automakers like NIO to integrate this superior technology into not just their top-tier halo cars, but across a wider range of models. This partnership is not a sudden development but the culmination of a relationship that began in 2022, reinforced by NIO’s consistent showcase of its 900V ambitions and onsemi’s proven success with other major Chinese automakers.

Glossary:
SiC (Silicon Carbide): A new type of semiconductor material that is more efficient and can handle higher voltages and temperatures than traditional silicon, making it ideal for electric vehicles.
EV Platform: The shared set of components and design that underpins an electric vehicle, including the chassis, battery pack, and electric motors. A 900V platform is designed to operate at a much higher voltage than older 400V systems.
Voltage (V): A measure of electric potential. In EVs, higher voltage allows for faster charging and more efficient power transfer, similar to how higher water pressure moves water more quickly through a pipe.