By The UK is making significant strides in advancing its power electronics sector, a critical component for the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and the broader transition to zero-emission technologies. Power electronics, which include devices like inverters, converters, and chargers, are essential for managing and converting electrical energy efficiently. The UK’s focus on developing a robust supply chain for these components is set to position the country as a leader in the global power electronics market. This article explores the initiatives and collaborations driving this progress and the potential impact on the UK’s economy and technological landscape.
Building a Robust Supply Chain
The UK’s power electronics sector is benefiting from strategic initiatives aimed at building a robust supply chain. One of the key projects in this effort is the ESCAPE (End-to-End Supply Chain for Automotive Power Electronics) project, launched in 2019. This £19.5 million Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D) project received £9.7 million in grant funding from the Department for Business and Trade, facilitated through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) UK. The ESCAPE project brings together a consortium of industry leaders and academic institutions, including McLaren Applied, Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd, and the University of Warwick, to develop high-performance power electronics using Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology.
Silicon Carbide is a wide bandgap semiconductor material that offers superior efficiency and performance compared to traditional silicon-based power electronics. By securing the SiC supply chain within the UK, the ESCAPE project aims to foster a localised end-to-end supply chain, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s capabilities in power electronics. The project has already delivered several pioneering technologies, including high-performance inverters and chargers, which are now ready for production.
The UK’s expertise in motorsport engineering and innovative engineering provides a competitive advantage in developing power electronics for EVs. The focus on high-performance power electronics is expected to enable more power, longer ranges, and faster charging for EVs, positioning the UK as a global leader in this field.
Collaborative Efforts and Innovation
Collaboration between the government, industry, and academia is a cornerstone of the UK’s strategy to advance its power electronics sector. The APC plays a crucial role in facilitating these collaborations through its CR&D competitions and other initiatives. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the APC ensures that the UK’s power electronics sector benefits from a wide range of expertise and resources.
One of the significant outcomes of these collaborative efforts is the development of innovative technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The ESCAPE project, for example, has resulted in the creation of high-performance inverters and chargers that are now ready for production. These technologies are expected to play a crucial role in the UK’s efforts to meet the predicted demand for 2.3 million inverters per annum for UK-manufactured passenger cars and vans.
The UK’s commitment to innovation is also evident in its focus on research and development. The involvement of leading academic institutions, such as the University of Warwick and the Compound Semiconductor Centre Limited, ensures that the latest advancements in power electronics are integrated into the country’s industrial strategy. This focus on R&D is essential for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in the global power electronics market.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The advancement of the UK’s power electronics sector is expected to have significant economic and environmental benefits. By developing a robust supply chain for power electronics, the UK can reduce its reliance on imports and create high-value jobs in the manufacturing sector. The focus on local manufacturing also supports the government’s broader goals of economic resilience and sustainability.
From an environmental perspective, the development of high-performance power electronics is crucial for the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Power electronics are essential for managing and converting electrical energy efficiently, which is critical for the performance and efficiency of EVs. By advancing its capabilities in this field, the UK can accelerate the adoption of EVs and contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The UK’s efforts to fast-track its power electronics future are also aligned with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The development of innovative power electronics technologies supports the broader transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable transportation solutions. By positioning itself as a leader in this field, the UK can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy and sustainable mobility.