Delphi to supply 800-volt inverters to extend electric vehicle range

Delphi Technologies, a leading global supplier of automotive and automotive electronic components and system technologies, recently announced that another luxury car manufacturer has signed an 800-volt inverter supply contract for its upcoming pure electric vehicles. Although Delphi did not confirm the name of the luxury car manufacturer, it also revealed some information that it is a European luxury car manufacturer and the third of the top four luxury car manufacturers in the world, which means that Delphi has become close to monopolizing this field.

With the booming electric vehicle market, and inverters (power electronics that power electric motors) being one of the most valuable electrification components, this signing is very important, indicating that several automotive groups will provide 800-volt battery systems for their high-end electric vehicles in the next few years, and will also become a driving force for Delphi's future rapid growth.

"Strategically, this major win is Delphi's second major achievement in power electronics, making it the world's leading supplier of inverters and related technologies for future electric vehicles. Together with the milestone 800-volt technology achieved in 2019, which is also the largest commercial achievement in history, Delphi has now successfully become a major supplier of inverters to the top three of the top four luxury automakers." Delphi officials said.

It is reported that the undisclosed new inverter supply contract for European luxury car manufacturers will start around 2024 and is expected to be used in all customers' electric models in 2024. It is also the debut of Delphi's 6th generation proprietary Viper power switch. Compared with today's most advanced 400-volt systems, the new inverter can achieve up to 800-volt electric systems, greatly extending the range of electric vehicles and halving the charging time. It is worth mentioning that the new technology supports multi-voltage platforms, which is derived from Delphi's 25 years of vehicle electrification experience and is the evolution of the proven high-voltage inverter.

Market research firm IHS predicts that by 2025, electric vehicles will account for 45% of global production, with approximately 46 million electric vehicles sold annually, and will grow to 57% (approximately 62 million units per year) by 2030. The efficiency of the inverter has a critical impact on many aspects of vehicle performance, and the inverter technology designed by Delphi can simplify automakers' multi-voltage strategies in increasing the range of electric and hybrid vehicles.

"We have earned the respect of our customers and become their most important and trusted supplier of electronic drive systems. As an industry leader in the highly competitive electrification market, the signing of this contract reflects our team's leading technology and outstanding engineering talent. Our recent investments in electrification are beginning to pay off." Delphi Technologies CEO Rick Dauch concluded. For more news on Delphi inverters, please stay tuned for follow-up reports.