JLR strikes semiconductor deal with Wolfspeed to secure supply

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has secured a supply of silicon carbide semiconductors for its next generation electric vehicles (EVs), thanks to a partnership with Wolfspeed.  

The silicon carbide technology will be used in the vehicles’ inverter, managing the transfer of power from the battery to the electric motors.

The first Range Rover vehicles with this advanced technology will be available from 2024, and the new all-electric Jaguar brand the following year.

With Jaguar Land Rover transforming to an electric-first business to become net zero across its supply chain, products, services, and operations by 2039 under its Reimagine strategy, it is an important deal for the manufacturer.

It builds on Wolfspeed’s existing relationship with the Jaguar TCS Racing team competing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, where its technology has been used to accelerate on-track efficiency and performance.

The partnership agreement sees JLR participate in the Wolfspeed Assurance of Supply Programme, to secure the supply of this technology for future electric vehicle production needs.

This will enable greater visibility and control over Jaguar Land Rover’s future supply chain and is key to the new value chain approach of the company’s operations and supply chain.

Thierry Bolloré, chief executive officer of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We are not strangers having collaborated together with the Jaguar TCS Racing team for the last five seasons.

“By developing that into a strategic partnership as part of our Reimagine strategy, we can integrate Wolfspeed’s advanced Silicon Carbide technology into our next generation electric vehicles, delivering extended range and performance capabilities for our clients.”

Wolfspeed president and CEO, Gregg Lowe, added: “The energy efficiency of silicon carbide will play an essential role as Jaguar Land Rover pursues its own zero carbon goals, and as the world transitions to an all-electric transportation future.”

The silicon carbide power device solutions will be produced at Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab in Marcy, New York, which opened in April 2022.