Though demand for EVs has tapered off as of late, most remained confident that things will eventually turn around, and that includes Ford EV partner SK On, which is a subsidiary of SK Innovation. In fact, that battery maker has signed quite a few deals aimed at rapidly expanding its raw materials supply chain as of late. Now, SK Siltron – another subsidiary of SK Innovation – has secured a loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as well, joining Ford and SK’s joint venture BlueOval SK, as well as other Ford-backed companies like CelLink, Solid Power, and Redwood Materials.
SK Siltron CSS – which manufactures silicon carbide (SiC) wafers – has announced that it has secured a conditional commitment from the DOE for a loan of up to $544 million, which will be used to increase manufacturing capacity at the company’s Bay City, Michigan facility and create up to an additional 200 jobs – resulting in an estimated total of 450 workers by 2027. These funds are part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program administered by the DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO), and are intended to expand American manufacturing of high-quality SiC wafers, a key component in EV electronics.
“This project is an important step towards ensuring a resilient and robust supply chain in the United States, and we are proud to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said SK Siltron CSS CEO Jianwei Dong, Ph.D. “Completion of our facility with support from ATVM funding not only strengthens our nation’s manufacturing technology, but also fuels job creation, laying the foundation for innovation and economic growth in Michigan and the broader United States.”
SiC wafers are more efficient at handling high power and conducting heat than incumbent silicon, and semiconductors made with these wafers can result in faster charging times and around 5-10 percent more range for EVs. However, the high-quality SiC wafers required to maximize these performance improvements are currently under-supplied, and demand is expected to rise along with EV sales.
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Not terribly surprising, given its past performance.
The two companies have pooled resources on numerous occasions.
It remained with the original owner until earlier this year.
It's one of several new carbon parts for the pony car.
A year later than previously expected.
Expanding that lineup yet again.
