Harald Deiss, head of ZF business unit electronic systems; Jörg Grotendorst, head of ZF e-mobility division; Kim Fausing, CEO Danfoss Group, and Claus A. Petersen, head of Danfoss Silicon Power, signing the partnership agreement.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Danfoss Silicon Power GmbH have stepped up their existing cooperation with a new strategic partnership for silicon and silicon carbide power modules. The partners plan to improve the efficiency of electric drivelines by leveraging engineering and cost benefits at the interface between power modules and inverters.

The partnership will see the two companies engage in joint research and development, with Danfoss also supplying power modules for silicon applications. One of the first major milestones in this new initiative is a supply contract for Danfoss power modules destined for large-scale ZF volume production projects. Beside 400-volt standard applications, the two companies have also begun co-developing an 800-volt silicon carbide power module for a large volume production project, aiming to position themselves at the forefront of this new segment.

ZF‘s e-mobility division supplies electric drive systems and components, while Danfoss Silicon power GmbH (DSP) is a specialist in silicon and silicon carbide power modules. By joining forces to produce innovative open technology solutions for e-mobility drivelines, they aim to contribute to cutting vehicle emissions. In electric and hybrid vehicles, power modules control the efficiency of the energy supply to the drive, battery and onboard electronics. This means that the development of space-saving inverters and more efficient power modules is crucial to reducing emissions over the long term.

Danfoss’ power modules could also use power-chips developed by ZF in the recently announced cooperation with semiconductor specialist Cree. As one of the leading manufacturers of electromobility solutions, ZF aims to further advance electric driveline technology through the strategic partnerships.

Since January 2016, ZF has bundled its electromobility activities in the e-mobility division headquartered in Schweinfurt, Germany. More than 9000 employees work in this division, spread across various locations around the world.

Danfoss Silicon Power is a subsidiary of the Danfoss Group, the largest industrial company in Denmark. For decades, Danfoss Silicon Power has been helping top tier manufacturers and system suppliers meet stringent reliability, design and cost targets by designing, developing and manufacturing customised power modules for automotive, industrial and renewable applications.