Technology Strategy

Collaboration on semiconductor solutions

On June 5, 2023, Nidec and Renesas Electronics Corporation announced collaboration on semiconductor solutions for a next-generation E-Axle for EVs. The following day, the two companies held a joint press conference.

　EVs are increasingly adopting the EV drive motor system called E-Axle, a 3-in-1 unit which integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox, and Nidec has been shipping the 3-in-1 E-Axles since 2019. The latest trend to respond to the growing demand for smaller size, light weight and lower cost is the accelerating move to integrate power electronics controls such as DC-DC converters, on-board chargers (OBCs), and power distribution units (PDUs) into a X-in-1 platform. This move is especially remarkable in China. We are also planning to adopt the X-in-1 for the third generation E-Axle, which is scheduled to be launched on the market after 2024. While we can expect benefits from X-in-1 such as higher efficiency due to total optimization, reduction in weight and volume, reduction of high-voltage cables and cooling cables, and reduction of the number of semiconductors and harnesses between electronic control units (ECUs), there remain issues such as concerns about safety integrity, decline in maintainability, complicated cooling systems, and requirements for higher reliability of parts.
　To solve these issues, Nidec has decided to collaborate with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a highly reliable and high-performance proof of concept (PoC) for the X-in-1 system. The PoC is designed to support the industry’s highest performance and efficiency as well as smaller size, lighter weight and lower cost for the X-in-1 system. We plan to launch the first PoC by the end of 2023, which will feature a 6-in-1 system with a DC-DC converter, on-board charger (OBC), and power distribution unit (PDU) as well as a motor, inverter, and gearbox. This PoC will include power devices based on SiC (silicon carbide). As a second phase in 2024, we plan to develop a highly integrated X-in-1 PoC that incorporates a battery management system (BMS) along with other components. The second PoC will replace the power devices with GaN (gallium nitride), offering excellent performance in high-frequency operation, to further reduce size and cost.
　Nidec selected Renesas Electronics Corporation as a strategic partner for EV semiconductor solutions, and through RFQ (Request for Quote) of the company, we will define the necessary specs for the next-generation E-Axle and advance its development. Building on the PoC developed through this collaboration, we plan to rapidly productize E-Axle systems to expand our E-Axle lineup and quickly get ready for mass production.