ESCAPE: Fast-tracking UK semiconductor development
Power electronics are essential for controlling the electric motors and all the electronics in EVs. As well as being fundamental components in vehicle chargers.
Securing and onshoring a UK-based supply chain is fundamental to de-risking against global shocks and securing the scale-up of electric vehicle production in the UK.
Led by Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied), the ESCAPE project has brought together a consortium of twelve partners representing universities, research organisations, SMEs, manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers to develop an end-to-end supply chain for silicon carbide (SiC) production, specifically targeting the high-performance sector.
Onshoring this capability will lead to cost reductions and job creation in this growing technology field, enhancing the UK’s reputation and competitiveness in the global market. To maintain its position as a global leader for SiC technology in the high-performance sector, the UK needs to continue to focus on developing advanced components through projects like ESCAPE, which enable higher power output, longer range, and faster charging.
ESCAPE was a £19.5 million project which received £9.7 million of funding from the Department for Business and Trade delivered through the APC. The project has also initiated further discussions and collaborations among the partners involved, driving future opportunities in the market.
These partners bring a range of expertise across the industry and academia and include; Motion (McLaren) Applied, Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd, Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, Exawatt, University of Warwick, Compound Semiconductor Centre Limited, Lyra Electronics Ltd, Microchip Technology Inc., Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (previously MaxPower Semiconductor, Inc), AESIN and Turbo Power Systems (TPS).
Together, they have delivered several pioneering new technologies, including high performance inverters, chargers and converters that are now ready for production. ESCAPE has also attracted significant foreign investment, including the acquisition of MaxPower Semiconductor by Vishay Intertechnology.
Watch the video above to learn more about this project and its outcomes.