STMicroelectronics to supply SiC devices to Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi for On-Board Chargers

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi plans to use the new SiC power technology to build high-power OBCs. As Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi’s chosen partner for SiC technology, ST will provide design-in support.

ST is also to supply Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi with associated components, including standard silicon devices. The OBCs with ST’s SiC are scheduled to enter volume production in 2021.

On-Board Charging
EVs need an OBC to handle charging from standard roadside charge points, when a dedicated home-charging system or super-charger is not available. The time to recharge is determined by the OBC power rating and the units in today’s EVs have ratings between about 3kW and 15kW.

As the leading EV brand, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi has already created a 22kW OBC for the Renault Zoe model, which can fully recharge the battery in about one hour. Now, by upgrading the OBC to leverage the superior efficiency and small size of ST’s SiC power semiconductors (MOSFETs and rectifier diodes), Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi can further reduce the size and weight while increasing energy efficiency. The new, compact, and high-power OBC gives designers more freedom to style the vehicle and optimize packaging, weight distribution, and vehicle drivability.

Source: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/about/media-center/press-item.html/t3971.html