Wolfspeed and ZINSIGHT Enhance Efficiency in Fuel Cell Vehicles with Silicon Carbide Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) announced a collaboration with ZINSIGHT Technology to integrate its 1200V Silicon Carbide MOSFETs into ZINSIGHT's advanced motor controllers for ultra-high-speed air compressors used in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). This technology is expected to enhance efficiency and energy production, aligning with the growing demand for zero-emission vehicles. The partnership aims to leverage Wolfspeed's expertise in Silicon Carbide to ensure optimal performance and reliability, thereby supporting the shift towards more sustainable automotive solutions.

Positive

• Collaboration with ZINSIGHT to integrate Silicon Carbide technology in FCV components.
• Enhanced efficiency and energy savings through the 35kW HS35 motor controller.
• Supports the transition towards zero-emission vehicle technology.

Negative

• Risks of production delays or challenges in ramping up new product manufacturing.
• Potential customer acceptance issues regarding the new products.

DURHAM, N.C. & SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), the global leader in Silicon Carbide technology, today announced that ZINSIGHT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., an innovator of advanced electric drive systems, will utilize Wolfspeed® 1200V Silicon Carbide MOSFETs in its advanced motor controller for ultra-high-speed air compressors in fuel cell vehicle (FCV) engines.

Consumer demand for zero-emission vehicles such as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and FCVs is expected to increase over the next decade as automakers and government entities shift focus away from production of internal combustion engine vehicles for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The use of Silicon Carbide in BEVs and FCVs results in significant cost savings, while high-efficiency power modules enable lower energy losses and higher range.

“The air compressor is one of the most critical components in FCV engines, affecting both efficiency and volume,” said Dr. Shi Jingkui, CEO of ZINSIGHT. “We partnered with Wolfspeed to harness its leadership in Silicon Carbide and ensure our technologies deliver best-in-class performance in speed, performance, efficiency, reliability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).”

Using Wolfspeed’s industry-leading 1200V Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, ZINSIGHT developed an ultra-high-speed motor controller for use in FCV air compressors. The 35kW HS35 solution provides enhanced efficiency and energy production, achieving more precise motor control over the entire FCV speed range.

“This collaboration further diversifies our automotive pipeline as we bring Silicon Carbide technology to fuel cell vehicles,” said Jay Cameron, senior vice president and general manager for Wolfspeed Power. “Wolfspeed Silicon Carbide enables our customers to provide best-in-class efficiency as they help automakers lead the transition to a more sustainable future.”

As a pure-play semiconductor powerhouse, Wolfspeed is leading the industry transition from silicon to Silicon Carbide in the automotive sector as it transitions away from internal combustion engines.

About ZINSIGHT:
ZINSIGHT focuses on the high-end electrical machine drive and systems based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology. Relying on over ten years of industrial experience in design and development with SiC, the company launched the SiCTeX^™ series high performance motor drives, which can be widely used in FCV air compressor, micro turbine generator, centrifugal compressor as well as the electrical propulsion system in aircraft and other special purpose vehicles.

About Wolfspeed, Inc.:
Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) leads the market in the worldwide adoption of Silicon Carbide and GaN technologies. We provide industry-leading solutions for efficient energy consumption and a sustainable future. Wolfspeed’s product families include Silicon Carbide materials, power-switching devices and RF devices targeted for various applications such as electric vehicles, fast charging, 5G, renewable energy and storage, and aerospace and defense. We unleash the power of possibilities through hard work, collaboration and a passion for innovation. Learn more at www.wolfspeed.com.

Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements by Wolfspeed involving risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that may cause Wolfspeed’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including the risk we may be unable to manufacture these new products with sufficiently low cost to offer them at competitive prices or with acceptable margins; the risk we may encounter delays or other difficulties in ramping up production of our new products; customer acceptance of our new products; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand or render Wolfspeed’s products obsolete; and other factors discussed in Wolfspeed’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 2021, and subsequent filings. For additional product and company information, please refer to www.wolfspeed.com.

Wolfspeed® is a registered trademark of Wolfspeed, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211018005204/en/

Media Relations:

Joanne Latham

VP, Corporate Marketing

919-407-5750

joanne.latham@wolfspeed.com

Investor Relations:

Tyler Gronbach

VP, Investor Relations

919-407-4820

investorrelations@wolfspeed.com

Source: Wolfspeed, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Wolfspeed's partnership with ZINSIGHT for fuel cell vehicles?

Wolfspeed's partnership with ZINSIGHT focuses on integrating Silicon Carbide technology into motor controllers for fuel cell vehicles, improving efficiency and performance.

How will Wolfspeed's Silicon Carbide MOSFETs impact electric vehicle technology?

Wolfspeed's Silicon Carbide MOSFETs are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce energy losses, and enable longer range in electric vehicles.

What are the expected benefits of using Silicon Carbide in automotive applications?

Silicon Carbide technology leads to significant cost savings, lower energy losses, and improved performance in electric and fuel cell vehicles.

What risks could affect Wolfspeed's production of new products?

Wolfspeed may face risks related to manufacturing costs, production ramp-up delays, and customer acceptance of new technologies.

How does Wolfspeed support the shift to sustainable automotive technologies?

Wolfspeed is a leader in Silicon Carbide technology, which is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of zero-emission vehicles like fuel cell and battery-electric vehicles.