NIO is starting the transition to 900-volt architectures across its entire vehicle range

NIO has strengthened its collaboration with the American semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi with the aim of driving the transition to 900-volt architectures, replacing the current 400-volt systems, across its entire vehicle range. This partnership, which has been underway for several years, is now being intensified to support the development of the upcoming platforms of the Chinese brand and to significantly improve the performance of its cars.

The core of this cooperation is Onsemi’s EliteSiC M3e technology, based on silicon carbide (SiC), which reduces energy losses, improves switching performance and enables greater efficiency in the drivetrain. According to Onsemi, these advances translate into higher system power, better thermal management and superior overall efficiency, which directly benefits range, charging speed and the general behavior of the vehicle. This technology is already implemented in NIO’s new flagship SUV, the ES9, unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show.

“Electrification is entering a new phase where system efficiency and scalability are fundamental. Our expanded collaboration with NIO shows how deep technical alignment and shared technology roadmaps can accelerate the transition to high-voltage architectures, enabling higher performance, better efficiency and a faster time to market.”

“NIO has always pushed the limits of intelligent electric mobility. Our collaboration with Onsemi has evolved alongside our technology roadmap, from the first 400V systems to today’s 900V platforms. The performance and reliability of EliteSiC technology, together with close technical cooperation, help us deliver more efficient and powerful vehicles to customers around the world.”

A growing market

Onsemi, which initially focused on producing semiconductors for power supplies, has recently experienced strong growth in the automotive sector thanks to its SiC solutions. In addition to NIO, the American company supplies semiconductors to a number of well-known car manufacturers, including BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz, among others. It also supplies first-tier suppliers such as Bosch, Continental, ZF and Vitesco. Its previous experience as a supplier to Tesla strengthens its position in the electric vehicle market.