News: Microelectronics
27 April 2026
onsemi and NIO expand collaboration to accelerate transition to next-gen 900V EV platforms
Intelligent power and sensing technology firm onsemi of Scottsdale, AZ, USA has announced an expanded strategic collaboration with China-based car maker NIO Inc to advance next-generation electric vehicle (EV) platforms. Building on a multi-year partnership, the firms are more closely engaging to accelerate NIO’s transition from 400V to 900V architectures, enabled by onsemi’s latest EliteSiC enhanced M3e technology.
Gains in range, charging and performance
onsemi says that its EliteSiC enhanced M3e technology delivers optimized switching performance through improved body diode characteristics, reducing energy losses (Eon) while maintaining strong short-circuit robustness. These advances translate into higher system output, improved thermal performance, and increased overall drivetrain efficiency. For drivers, this means:
- more miles from every charge, by reducing energy lost as heat in the powertrain;
- stronger, more consistent acceleration, including at highway speeds and under load;
- shorter charging times, supported by high-voltage, fast-charging systems; and
- reliable performance over time, with power systems designed to operate under demanding conditions.
Long-standing partnership evolves from 400V to next-gen platforms
The expanded collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership that began with onsemi’s EliteSiC technology supporting NIO’s 400V platforms and has evolved into a strategic, system-level alignment. onsemi’s EliteSiC technology now underpins NIO’s transition to 900V architectures, including its latest flagship SUV, the ES9, and additional models debuting at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.
Executive perspectives on strategic collaboration and industry direction
“Electrification is entering a new phase where system efficiency and scalability are paramount,” notes onsemi’s president & CEO Hassane El-Khoury. “Our expanded collaboration with NIO demonstrates how deep engineering alignment and aligned technology roadmaps can accelerate the transition to high-voltage architectures. With our EliteSiC technology, we are enabling higher performance, improved efficiency, and faster time-to-market for next-generation EV platforms,” he adds.
“Our collaboration with onsemi has evolved alongside our technology roadmap — from early 400V systems to today’s 900V platforms,” says Alan Zeng, CEO of NIO’s powertrain unit XPT. “The performance and reliability of onsemi’s EliteSiC technology, combined with strong technical collaboration, are helping us deliver more efficient, high-performance vehicles to our customers worldwide.”
Scaling the next generation of EV technology
The companies’ collaboration reflects a broader shift in the auto industry toward closer alignment between automakers and semiconductor companies, as vehicles become more power-intensive. onsemi says that, by supporting system-level integration, it is helping customers to bring scalable, higher-performance EV platforms to market more quickly and efficiently while reducing development complexity and accelerating execution. This approach is becoming increasingly important as automakers transition to higher-voltage architectures and more advanced electric drive systems, it adds.
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