VisIC Technologies and AVL forge partnership achieving over 99.6% efficiency in GaN inverters for electric vehicles
Regensburg, Germany, December 5, 2024 – VisIC Technologies, a global leader in gallium nitride (GaN) technology for electric vehicles (EVs), and AVL, a leading development partner for innovative software and hardware solutions, are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at advancing high-efficiency GaN inverter technology for the EV market. This collaboration will provide automotive OEMs with power semiconductors that exceed silicon carbide (SiC) performance, while offering lower costs at device and system level.
In a recent test conducted at AVL’s state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, an inverter based on VisIC’s GaN-on-Silicon D³GaN components proved an outstanding performance. Mounted on AVL’s e-motor test bench and controlled by AVLs SOP eDrive controls algorithm, the system achieved a benchmark efficiency level of 99.67% at 10kHz, stunningly climbing to over 99.8% efficiency at 5kHz — which outperforms comparable SiC inverters by up to 0.5% and is cutting energy losses by more than 60%. This breakthrough positions the AVL and VisIC partnership as a compelling option for automakers striving to balance high efficiency with affordability in EV design. It is worth noting that VisIC’s GaN-on-Silicon power devices require significantly less energy and therefore CO2 during the chip production process compared to SiC. They can be produced in widespread 200mm and 300mm silicon foundries, which makes scaling production a straightforward process.
“With AVL, we’re making cutting-edge GaN inverter technology accessible for even more electric vehicles, establishing a new benchmark for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the industry,” said Gregory Bunin, CTO of VisIC Technologies. “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to driving EV innovation that’s both impactful and accessible, bringing GaN’s unparalleled performance to a broader market.”
“Working with VisICs new GaN power module for high-power systems enables us to offer our customers cutting-edge solutions that are optimally aligned with the requirements of next-generation drive systems. These include, among other things, high power density combined with reduced overall system costs,” added Dr. Thomas Frey, Head of Segment E-Mobility & E-Drive System at AVL Software and Functions GmbH. “Together, we can significantly advance e-mobility and help reduce the carbon footprint.”
Looking ahead, AVL and VisIC plan to expand their GaN-on-Si platform to include 800V GaN power modules, ensuring that their technology remains scalable and adaptable to the needs of the growing BEV market. This collaboration places AVL and VisIC Technologies at the forefront of GaN inverter technology, establishing new standards for energy efficiency and performance across the EV industry.
About VisIC Technologies Ltd.
VisIC Technologies Ltd. is a leading innovator in the field of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology, revolutionizing the landscape of power electronics. Founded with the vision to create CO2 reducing technology, VisIC specializes in high-performance, cost-effective GaN devices that deliver superior energy efficiency, reliability, and scalability for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, data centers, AI, and industrial systems.
Our cutting-edge D3GAN technology is designed to replace traditional silicon and silicon carbide-based components, offering significant improvements in power density, thermal performance, and switching speed. With a commitment to advancing the future of power electronics, VisIC is dedicated to continuous innovation, rigorous quality standards, and exceptional customer service. Our employees are the heart of our success.
For more information about VisIC Technologies and its innovative GaN products, please visit www.visic-tech.com.
Press contact:
Dr Michael Kambeck
michael.kambeck@boldtpartners.com
Tel: +49 221 292000 30
About AVL
With more than 12,200 employees, AVL is one of the world’s leading mobility technology companies for development, simulation, and testing in the automotive industry and in other sectors such as rail, marine, and energy. Based on extensive in-house research activities, AVL delivers concepts, technology solutions, methodologies, and development tools for a greener, safer, and better world of mobility and beyond.
AVL supports international partners and customers in their sustainable and digital transformation. The focus lies on the areas of electrification, software, AI and automation. In addition, AVL supports companies in energy-intensive sectors on their way to a greener and more efficient energy generation and supply.
Innovation is AVL’s passion. Together with an international network of experts at more than 90 locations and 50 Tech and Engineering Centers worldwide, AVL is driving the future of mobility. In 2023, the company generated a turnover of 2.05 billion Euros, of which 10 % are invested in R&D activities.
For more information: www.avl.com
Press contact:
Andrea Rachbauer
andrea.rachbauer@avl.com
Mobile: +43 664 8889 1506
