Scalable SiC power module platform for e-mobility

RoadPak sets a new benchmark in electric vehicle performance. This compact module uses silicon carbide (SiC) technology to achieve high levels of power density for faster charging, reliability over the vehicle’s lifetime, and the lowest possible power losses for the longest possible driving range.

“RoadPak is the result of more than 100 years of Hitachi Energy innovation and market leadership in power electronics,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Along with our Grid-eMotion Flash and Fleet EV charging systems, it builds on our commitment to take e-mobility to the next level and advance a more sustainable energy future for all.”

Tested by many EV manufacturers and with two seasons of flawless performance with the Mahindra Racing Formula E team, RoadPak is available in both the 750 volt and 1,200 volt ranges. This makes it ideal for all types of electric vehicle – regular and luxury cars, commercial vehicles, buses, agricultural EVs, heavy-duty trucks and high-performance racing cars.

“We have had the privilege of piloting this advanced power module on our Mahindra M7Electro and M8Electro racing cars over the last two years, which has proven to significantly increase performance and reliability,” said Dilbagh Gill, CEO and Team Principal of Mahindra Racing. “This high technology improvement allows us to develop next-generation state-of-the-art green automotive solutions and improve driving experience.”

Power semiconductors are a critical component in electric vehicles. They are the heart of the inverter, which converts DC power from the vehicle’s battery into the AC power that drives the motor. Reliability is key. RoadPak semiconductors are designed to operate faultlessly for more than four million start-stop cycles over the vehicle’s lifetime.

Keller said: “RoadPak is not only modules, but a complete platform and we have been adding new features to this platform.” Hitachi Energy recently announced a collaboration with NXP, where they are working on a gate unit optimised for the RoadPak. This means that the gate current can be adapted during the controlling stage from the gate unit, preventing ringing and even enabling faster and lower losses.

The EV market is growing exponentially. Global sales of electric cars grew 40 percent in 2020 and almost doubled in 2021. In addition, all major car manufacturers have committed to phase out their petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 or earlier.

Hitachi Energy has two separate manufacturing sources supporting security of supply worldwide for its SiC-based power semiconductor products, including RoadPak. The company makes its own SiC chips at its semiconductor factory in Switzerland and is supported by an independent SiC chip manufacturer in the United States, thereby securing supply in terms of both volumes and geographic availability.

Hitachi Energy’s advanced semiconductor technology is a key component in its grid integration solutions that enable vast amounts of renewable energy to flow reliably through power grids and between nations. They are also key to the traction converter systems that drive high-speed electric trains and metros, and the electric vehicles that are making road transportation clean and sustainable. 

Visit Hitachi Energy in Hall 9, Booth 9-302 and the applications engineers can help you to make a proper dimensioning of its module into your inverter.