Client: automotive component manufacturer
This case study analyzes the requirements for power electronics components—specifically inverters, onboard chargers, and DC-DC converters—in the context of electric and hybrid vehicles (xEVs). It explores integration trends, failure rates of onboard chargers, policies on in-house manufacturing and procurement, selection criteria for suppliers, and evaluates major suppliers in the market.
Integration Trends of Power Electronics Systems
The integration of power electronics systems in xEVs is a significant trend driven by the need for efficiency, compactness, and performance optimization. Key trends include:
- System Integration
- Power Density and Efficiency
- Smart Capabilities
Failure Rates of Onboard Chargers in the Market
Onboard chargers are essential for the efficient charging of xEVs, but they are not without challenges:
- Failure Rates:
- Industry reports suggest that failure rates for onboard chargers can range between 5-10%, depending on the design and manufacturing quality.
- Common failure modes include overheating, electrical short circuits, and software-related issues, which can affect vehicle performance and customer satisfaction.
- Impact on Customer Experience:
- High failure rates can lead to negative customer experiences, emphasizing the importance of robust design and testing processes.
Policy on In-House Manufacturing and Parts Procurement
Policies regarding in-house manufacturing and procurement for power electronics systems vary among manufacturers:
- In-House Manufacturing
- Parts Procurement
Selection Criteria for Power Electronics System Suppliers
When selecting suppliers for power electronics systems, OEMs consider several critical factors:
- Technical Expertise
- Quality Assurance
- Supply Chain Reliability
- Cost Competitiveness
- Support and Collaboration
Evaluation of Major Power Electronics System Suppliers
Several key players dominate the power electronics system supplier market for xEVs:
- Infineon Technologies:
- Strengths: Strong expertise in power semiconductors, especially with SiC technology. Offers a wide range of integrated solutions.
- Evaluation: High reliability and extensive support, but potentially higher cost due to quality focus.
- Wolfspeed (Cree):
- Strengths: Leading in SiC technology, offering high-performance solutions for inverters and chargers.
- Evaluation: Strong growth potential, but capacity constraints could affect supply.
- Texas Instruments:
- Strengths: Comprehensive portfolio of analog and embedded processing products, including power management solutions.
- Evaluation: Well-established in the market, with good support but may lack specialized automotive focus.
- STMicroelectronics:
- Strengths: Offers a broad range of automotive-grade power electronics components and integrated solutions.
- Evaluation: Competitive pricing and strong reliability, making them a favored choice among OEMs.
- Nexperia:
- Strengths: Focused on discrete semiconductors, with a strong presence in automotive applications.
- Evaluation: Cost-effective solutions, but may lack the full integration capabilities seen in competitors.
Conclusion
The demand for power electronics components in xEVs is increasing, driven by the need for efficiency and advanced functionality. As OEMs navigate challenges such as failure rates and supply chain dynamics, the selection of reliable suppliers is critical. Understanding integration trends, manufacturing policies, and supplier capabilities will enable OEMs to make informed decisions that enhance their competitive positioning in the market.
