Great Wall Motor (GWM) took a momentous step on Dec. 29 by signing a strategic agreement with Hebei Synlight Crystal Co, Ltd, a leader in third-generation semiconductors. With this alliance, GWM fully enters into the silicon carbide (SiC), The new energy vehicle (NEV), a key material for improving the efficiency and performance of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Find out below how this investment will strengthen the supply chain, accelerate technological innovation and consolidate the position of the company. GWM in the global electric mobility market.
Why are third-generation semiconductors essential for NEVs?
In order to understand the relevance of this investment, it is first necessary to delve deeper into the benefits of the third-generation semiconductors, especially those based on SiC.
Benefits of silicon carbide (SiC) in electrification
- Increased energy efficiencySiC devices offer lower losses during switching, which translates into greater autonomy for electric vehicles.
- Size and weight reductionThe components can be more compact without sacrificing performance by supporting higher temperatures and switching frequencies.
- Lower heat generationSiC chips dissipate heat more efficiently due to their improved thermal conductivity, increasing the durability of power systems.
- High switching speedSiC semiconductors can operate at higher frequencies than those based on conventional silicon (Si), which improves motor response and fast charge efficiency.
- Increased robustness and reliabilityResistant to electrical and thermal stresses, which are critical in automotive applications.
These characteristics make SiC a strategic material for power inverters, inverter-chargers and electrification systems, enabling automakers to offer more efficient vehicles with faster charging and better overall performance.
Synlight Crystal: pioneer in SiC single crystals
Founded in 2012, Synlight Crystal is the leading Chinese company dedicated to the research, development and production of SiC single crystals. Its technological base is based at the Semiconductor Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), which has enabled it to lead the industrialization of SiC substrates in the country.
Production capacity and future expansion
- Laiyuan FactoryOperational since September, it is Synlight Crystal's first expansion project.
- 2,000 cultivation ovensplanned for the next few years, with a projected annual capacity of 600,000 pieces of SiC single crystal substrate.
- First mass productionSynlight Crystal was the first company in China to mass-produce third-generation SiC semiconductors, establishing itself as a high-tech benchmark in Hebei Province.
With this infrastructure, Synlight Crystal supplies both domestic and international customers, offering high purity SiC substrates that meet the demanding specifications of the automotive industry.
Investment details and strategic collaboration
The partnership between GWM and Synlight Crystal is not limited to passive financing. With GWM as main investor, both companies will work together to:
- Accelerating SiC semiconductor R&D
- Promote new lines of research focused on the optimization of substrates and high-power chips.
- Develop coating and doping technologies that improve electrical and thermal characteristics.
- Promote new lines of research focused on the optimization of substrates and high-power chips.
- Facilitating the vertical design of the industrial chain
- Integrate SiC substrate production with power device assembly.
- Establish standardized processes to reduce costs and delivery times.
- Integrate SiC substrate production with power device assembly.
- Expanding Synlight Crystal's production capacity
- Finance the construction of new glass furnaces to meet projected demand.
- Ensure a stable supply of substrates for GWM's electrification plans.
- Finance the construction of new glass furnaces to meet projected demand.
- Promoting technological localization
- Promote knowledge transfer between R&D teams of both companies.
- Develop internal competencies in GWM to manufacture SiC components in its future production centers.
- Promote knowledge transfer between R&D teams of both companies.
With this collaboration, GWM strengthens its position in the upstream (substrate production) and the downstream (power module manufacturing) of the SiC industry, ensuring a more robust and competitive value chain.
GWM Strategy 2025: third-generation semiconductors as a cornerstone
At its 8th Festival of Science and Technology (2021), GWM presented the Strategy 2025, which sets ambitious goals:
- Global sales4 million vehicles per year by 2025.
- NEV ratio80 % of sales will be of new energy vehicles (electric and hybrid).
- R&D investmentaccumulate more than CNY 10 billion in five years.
As part of this roadmap, the development of core technologies such as the high computing power chips and the third generation semiconductors (SiC) are placed as priority addresses.
Practical applications in GWM products
- Jijialong (SALOON Auto)The first high-end model of SALOON Auto - GWM's new independent brand - already uses SiC products in its power systems, improving powertrain efficiency.
- Future modelsThe next generations of GWM vehicles will progressively incorporate SiC-based power modules, optimizing electric motor performance and fast charging speed.
This approach ensures that GWM not only manufactures electric vehicles, but develops them with cutting-edge technology, offering the end user a superior driving experience: longer range, reduced recharge times and more efficient operation.
Benefits for GWM and the automotive industry
The investment in Synlight Crystal and the boost to the SiC industry generate multiple advantages:
- Long-term cost reductionGWM: by vertically integrating production, GWM reduces dependence on external suppliers and better controls the margins of its electric vehicles.
- Better quality and reliabilityby managing the semiconductor supply chain in-house, quality standards are raised.
- Accelerating innovationR&D cooperation promotes the joint development of more agile prototypes and pilot tests.
- Strengthening the NEV ecosystemThe alliance lays the foundation for a technological ecosystem ranging from raw materials (SiC substrates) to final propulsion systems.
For the automotive industry in general, the increasing adoption of third-generation semiconductors marks a global trend towards more sustainable, efficient and competitive vehicles.
Future prospects and call for action
Over the next five years, GWM will continue to drive its Innovation 2025, focusing resources on:
- Expand SiC production through joint projects with Synlight Crystal.
- Develop new NEV models that take full advantage of the properties of SiC.
- Implement vehicle intelligence systems that combine advanced hardware with autonomous driving software and connectivity.
This strategy positions GWM as one of the most innovative manufacturers in electric mobility, capable of competing globally with proprietary and differentiating technologies.
Want to learn more about how Great Wall Motor is transforming the automotive industry with third-generation semiconductors? Visit our official channels and authorized dealers to find out more about the NEV models Get a head start on the future and drive the next generation of electric vehicles!
