Ampere, a manufacturer of smart electric vehicles co-founded by Renault Group and STMicroelectronics, has announced the latest progress in its strategic partnership with STMicroelectronics. Under the new multi-year agreement, STMicroelectronics will supply Ampere with silicon carbide (SiC) power modules starting in 2026 as part of the two companies' collaboration on power boxes for ultra-efficient EV powertrain inverters.
Through this collaboration, AM and ST will work together to optimize power modules, combining AMP's deep experience in EV technology with ST's expertise in advanced power electronics to improve the performance of electric powertrains and ensure maximum efficiency and competitiveness.
Strategic Cooperation: Core Innovation of Electric Vehicle Powertrain
Philippe Brunet, Senior Vice President, Ampere Powertrain and E-Vehicle Engineering, said: "This agreement is the result of close collaboration with STMicroelectronics. Through forward-looking collaboration, we are able to optimize key components in the electric powertrain, ensuring longer range and shorter charging times. This is at the heart of Ampere's strategy: leveraging ST's strengths in power modules to control the entire value chain of EV power electronics.”
Michael Anfang, Executive Vice President, EMEA Sales and Marketing, STMicroelectronics, added, "We are at the forefront of advanced power electronics developments to improve the performance of electric platforms in the transportation sector. By providing Ampere with more efficient products and solutions, and leveraging our vertically integrated silicon carbide supply chain, we fully support Ampere's strategy for next-generation electric powertrains. Our shared vision with Ampere is to drive sustainable mobility, and this partnership will make a positive contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector."
Figure：Ampera and STmicroelectronics achieve collaborate（image：Power Electronic News）
Silicon carbide power modules: the core technology of electric vehicles
A power module is a core component made up of multiple silicon carbide chips that is responsible for efficiently managing and converting the electrical energy in the battery to drive an electric motor. Not only do they play a crucial role in the efficiency, range and recuperation of the electric drivetrain, but they also contribute to a smoother and more responsive ride. Therefore, power modules are the key to improving the overall efficiency of electric vehicles.
STMicroelectronics and Ampere have jointly developed a power box designed for Ampere's next-generation electric motors, supporting both 400-volt and 800-volt electric vehicles. These power boxes will help Ampere's electric vehicles achieve higher range and faster charging speeds, with an 800-volt battery system enabling electric vehicles to complete 10%-80% fast charging in 15 minutes. This collaboration further supports AMPERE's strategy to control the entire EV value chain, working closely together to ensure optimal technical efficiency at every step.
Industry leadership at STMicroelectronics
As an Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM), ST ensures that automakers are provided with high-quality and secure solutions to drive their vehicle electrification strategies. The collaboration with Ampere on SiC power modules and power boxes demonstrates ST's leadership in power electronics and its deep experience in system-level design and packaging.
Through this collaboration, ST and Ampere are not only driving innovation in EV technology, but also contributing to the development of sustainable mobility.
