Volkswagen Tianjin partners with Leadrive for SiC power modules

Volkswagen Tianjin has signed an agreement with Chinese supplier Leadrive Technology to jointly develop silicon carbide power modules (SiC) for electric vehicles. This partnership supports Volkswagen’s strategy to localize key components for electric vehicles in China.

Volkswagen Automatic Transmission (Tianjin) no longer focuses solely on transmissions, despite its name. The company serves as one of Volkswagen Group’s key sites for manufacturing powertrains and components in China, and it has expanded its activities over the past years to develop and produce components for electric drives, including electric motors.

The partners did not provide details on financial aspects, production targets, or specific vehicle models related to the statement of intent. However, they said the collaboration would cover the development of power semiconductor modules, electronic control systems, and complete electric drive solutions. The goal is to “bring high-performance technologies for electrified powertrains into mass production” while also advancing their development.

The agreement builds on an existing technical partnership between the Volkswagen Group and Leadrive, expanding cooperation into one of the most strategically important areas of electric mobility technology: power electronics. Previous collaboration focused on electric drive systems and dual-controller solutions for hybrid drives.

Silicon carbide semiconductors (SiC) are gaining increasing importance for battery-electric vehicles as they reduce energy losses and improve the efficiency of inverters, which convert the battery’s direct current into alternating current for the electric motor. Compared to conventional silicon semiconductors, SiC technology also enables higher voltages and faster charging times, making it particularly suitable for next-generation electric vehicles.

The partnership also fits into Volkswagen’s “In China, for China” strategy. The German automaker has shifted more development and procurement activities to China in recent years to shorten development cycles and strengthen cooperation with local suppliers, as competition in China’s electric vehicle market intensifies.

Founded in 2017, Leadrive Technology develops power semiconductor modules, motor controls, and integrated power units (Power Bricks) on its own. According to the company, its vertically integrated approach allows it to combine power module development with electronic control systems, enabling it to offer complete electric drive solutions to automakers.

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This article by Carla Westerheide first appeared in our English-language edition electrive.com.