McLaren Applied Selects STMicroelectronics to Supply Silicon Carbide Power Modules

British engineering and technology group McLaren Applied has selected STMicroelectronics (ST) as a key supplier of silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for its next-generation IPG5 800V inverter. In choosing ST’s SiC, McLaren Applied aims to secure a solid and regular power electronics supply chain as it ramps up production and commercialisation of its IPG5 inverter for OEMs and Tier 1 partners.

Electric vehicle (EV) powertrain technology increasingly relies on quality SiC semiconductors. 

McLaren Applied has already finalised EV powertrain agreements with American hybrid sports car marque Czinger, and in-wheel motor specialists Elaphe for the supply of its IPG5 inverter.

Weighing 5.5kg, IPG5 can extend an EV’s range by over 7%.

McLaren Applied’s IPG5 leverages the ST ACEPACK DRIVE power module based on third generation 1200V SiC MOSFET technology.

Stephen Lambert, Head of Electrification at McLaren Applied, says: “Silicon carbide and the need for greater efficiency is absolutely going to be a key trend in the increasing adoption of EV technology. Inverter technology is rapidly adopting silicon carbide semiconductors,
especially in 800V architectures, and this deal with ST secures access to the best SiC semiconductor technology available today.”

“Using ACEPACK DRIVE power module based on SiC MOSFET technology helps McLaren Applied achieve the greatest efficiency and longest driving range possible for their innovative, high performance powertrain systems,” adds Philippe Prats, Head of Automotive
Marketing & Application EMEA STMicroelectronics.

Over three decades in F1 and other cutting-edge motorsport has given McLaren Applied world-leading expertise in electrification, connectivity, control and analytics. This expertise is applied to the motorsport, automotive and transport sectors, delivering technologies with real-world benefits at scale.