ZF Friedrichshafen and Danfoss Seal Strategic Partnership

ZF and Danfoss Silicon Power have stepped up their existing cooperation with a new strategic partnership for 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 V standard applications the two companies have also begun co-developing an 800 V 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 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 make a vital contribution 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.