Rohm's 4th-generation SiC MOSFET bare chips are mass-produced in three main models of Geely Group's electric vehicle brand "ZEKR"

～Applied to host inverter, it helps to extend driving range and improve performance～

Recently, power modules equipped with the fourth-generation SiC MOSFET bare chips of Rohm (headquartered in Kyoto, Japan) have been successfully applied to the main inverters of three models of "X", "009" and "001" of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group's (hereinafter referred to as "Geely") electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "EV") brand "ZEKR". Starting from fiscal 2023, this power module will be supplied in batches to Geely's Tier 1 manufacturer Ningbo Weirui Electric Vehicle Technology Co., Ltd. through Shanghai Heimxico Semiconductor Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Rohm and Zhenghai Group.

Geely and Rohm have been conducting technical exchanges since 2018, and in 2021, they signed a strategic partnership centered on SiC power devices, and have been cooperating ever since. This time, as a result of the cooperation, the host inverters of the above three models are equipped with Rohm's SiC MOSFET. Regardless of the model, Rohm's power supply solution centered on SiC MOSFET will help extend the vehicle's range and improve performance.

ROHM is promoting the development of SiC devices and plans to launch the fifth-generation SiC MOSFET in 2025. It has also brought forward the market launch plan for the sixth and seventh-generation products. In addition, by building a SiC supply system, it will supply various forms such as bare chips, discrete devices and modules, thereby promoting the popularization of SiC and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

About Zeekr models using ROHM's "EcoSiC™"

Although Zeekr's "X" model is a small SUV, it has a maximum output of more than 300kW and a cruising range of more than 400km, and is cost-effective, and has also attracted attention outside of China. In addition, the small van type "009" is equipped with a 140kWh large-capacity battery in addition to the smart cockpit, and has a maximum cruising range of 822km. In addition, the sports wagon type "001", which is the flagship model, has attracted widespread attention as a high-performance EV due to its dual electric motors with a maximum output of more than 400kW, a cruising range of more than 580km, and 4-wheel independent control mechanisms.

About Zeekr

Zeekr is a high-end smart electric brand under Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. In March 2021, Zhejiang Zeekr Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. was established. Zeekr is an intelligent, digital, and data-driven smart travel technology company. Adhering to the user-oriented corporate philosophy, it focuses on the research and development of forward-looking technologies for smart electric travel, builds a technology ecosystem and a user ecosystem, and takes "co-creating an ultimate travel experience" as its mission. From product innovation, user experience innovation to business model innovation, it is committed to bringing users the ultimate travel experience. The birth of Zeekr is different from the traditional car manufacturing and new power models. It realizes the rapid evolution of smart pure electric and opens up the "Zekr model" of the third track of pure electric development. Zeekr is committed to establishing a new user relationship, co-creation with users, continuous evolution based on user needs and creativity, and achieving equal integration between enterprises and users.

About ROHM

ROHM is a semiconductor electronic component manufacturer founded in 1958. Through a global development and sales network, it provides high-quality and high-reliability ICs, discrete semiconductors, and electronic components for the automotive and industrial equipment markets, as well as consumer electronics, communications, and many other markets.

In the power electronics and analog fields where ROHM excels, ROHM's advantage is to provide optimized solutions for the entire system, including SiC power components and driver ICs that fully utilize their performance, as well as peripheral components such as transistors, diodes, and resistors.

Market Background and 4th Generation SiC MOSFET

In recent years, in order to achieve "carbon neutrality" and other goals to reduce environmental load, it is necessary to further popularize the next generation of electric vehicles (xEV), which has promoted the development of more efficient, smaller and lighter electric systems. Especially in the field of electric vehicles (EV), in order to extend the driving range and reduce the size of the on-board battery, improving the efficiency of the main drive inverter, which plays a core driving role, has become an important issue, and the industry has high hopes for SiC power components.

Since ROHM started mass production of SiC MOSFETs in 2010, it has been promoting the technological development of advanced products as a leader in the field of SiC components. Currently, ROHM has named these SiC components "EcoSiC™" and is continuously expanding its product line. Currently, it can provide not only bare chips, but also various forms of products such as discrete packages and modules.