Boulogne-Billancourt, France, and Geneva, Switzerland – December 3, 2024 – In a groundbreaking step forward for electric vehicle (EV) innovation, Ampere, Renault Group’s intelligent EV pure player, has signed a multi-year agreement with STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductor technology. This collaboration will ensure the supply of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power modules, a cornerstone of Ampere’s ultra-efficient electric powertrain strategy.
Driving EV Innovation with Silicon Carbide Technology
The partnership focuses on the development of a powerbox for the inverter, an essential component in Ampere’s next-generation electric motors. Silicon Carbide power modules, engineered to optimize the conversion of electrical power from the battery to the motor, will play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, extending battery range, and refining driving dynamics.
Philippe Brunet, Senior Vice President of Powertrain & EV Engineering at Ampere, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This agreement is the result of intensive work with STMicroelectronics. By collaborating upstream, we’ve secured the supply of key components and optimized their design to deliver high-performance EVs with extended range and reduced charging times. This perfectly aligns with Ampere’s strategy to master the entire value chain of power electronics for its e-powertrain.”
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Mobility
STMicroelectronics brings its expertise in advanced power electronics, backed by a vertically integrated silicon carbide supply chain. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and carbon emissions reduction across the mobility industry. Michael Anfang, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at STMicroelectronics, highlighted the broader impact:
“With optimized SiC products and solutions tailored to Ampere’s performance requirements, we’re enabling a step change in EV performance. Our collaboration underscores the potential of electrified platforms to advance sustainable mobility.”
Next-Gen Powerbox: Efficiency Redefined
The newly developed powerbox combines three SiC-based power modules with an excitation module and a custom cooling baseplate. This design ensures optimal thermal management while maintaining a compact form factor, making it versatile for both 400-Volt and 800-Volt battery platforms.
The integration of 800-Volt battery systems marks a significant advancement, enabling Ampere vehicles to achieve a 10%-80% charge in under 15 minutes—an essential feature for next-generation EVs in the C-segment and beyond.
Mastering the EV Value Chain
Ampere’s partnership with STMicroelectronics underscores its strategy to work closely with upstream partners to refine every aspect of its EV technologies. This collaborative approach ensures that Ampere’s e-powertrains remain at the forefront of innovation, delivering best-in-class efficiency and performance.
About Ampere and STMicroelectronics
Ampere: As Europe’s first intelligent EV pure player, Ampere focuses on designing and manufacturing electric vehicles that are as sustainable as they are cutting-edge. Born from Renault Group, Ampere integrates advanced software and engineering to redefine the EV experience.
STMicroelectronics: With a workforce of over 50,000, STMicroelectronics is a semiconductor innovator driving advancements in mobility, energy management, and smart systems. The company is committed to sustainability, targeting carbon neutrality in key areas by 2027.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of EV powertrains, setting new standards for efficiency, range, and sustainability. By leveraging Silicon Carbide technology, Ampere and STMicroelectronics are not only advancing EV performance but also contributing to a more sustainable automotive future.
For more information, visit www.ampere.cars and www.st.com.
