Jan. 6, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- Wolfspeed announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Mercedes-Benz to supply silicon carbide power semiconductors. Wolfspeed's SiC semiconductors will be integrated by Mercedes-Benz into drive systems for future electric vehicle platforms.

Wolfspeed said it will supply Mercedes-Benz from its fabs in Durham, North Carolina, and Massey, New York. The Massey facility is due to open in 2022, where 200mm wafers can be produced. The planned Durham facility is expected to expand the company's SiC production capacity by more than tenfold. Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in fiscal 2024.

“We are pleased to be supporting Mercedes-Benz, an organization with a long, successful history of providing world-class performance and luxury vehicles, as they introduce next-generation EVs to the market with highly efficient power systems,” says Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed. “We are continuing to invest in our manufacturing capacity to support a steepening demand curve for Silicon Carbide devices that will not only improve EV performance and drive greater consumer adoption, but also support the sustainability efforts of global automotive leaders like Mercedes-Benz.”

Wolfspeed did not disclose the agreed supply or financial scope of the strategic agreement in the statement.