American tech firm, Wolfspeed will equip next-gen Jaguar Land Rover models with its silicon carbide semiconductors, which the company says can provide increased powertrain efficiency and range. 

The semiconductors will be used specifically in the vehicles’ inverter, managing the transfer of power from the battery to the electric motors.

JLR‘s first vehicle to use these chips will be the brand’s first all-electric Range Rover from 2024.

Jaguar models will later benefit from the partnership from 2025, as it too plans to become an electric-only car company.

The partnership is the latest development of JLR’s ’Reamingine’ strategy, which will see both British brands delivering an electric-only range by 2030, before aiming to achieve net-zero as a business by 2039. 

Jaguar firstly began its relationship with Wolfspeed in 2017, when the company secured silicon carbide chips for its TSC Formula E cars.

On this extended partnership, Thierry Bolloré, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We are not strangers having collaborated together with the Jaguar TCS Racing team for the last five seasons. 

“By developing that into a strategic partnership as part of our Reimagine strategy, we can integrate Wolfspeed’s advanced Silicon Carbide technology into our next generation electric vehicles, delivering extended range and performance capabilities for our clients.”

JLR says the agreement with Wolfspeed will secure the supply of this technology for future electric vehicle production needs, and enable greater visibility and control over its supply chain. 

Wolfspeed President and CEO, Gregg Lowe, added: “Wolfspeed is proud to partner with Jaguar Land Rover, supporting its bold commitment to electrify its iconic brands by using Silicon Carbide’s superior performance, efficiency and range.

“The energy efficiency of Silicon Carbide will play an essential role as Jaguar Land Rover pursues its own zero carbon goals, and as the world transitions to an all-electric transportation future.”

The announcement comes following JLR’s partnership with US electronics firm Nvidia - announced earlier this year, which focuses on software-defined, advanced automated driving systems for its vehicles from 2025.