Ideal Power, the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch developer, has announced a new collaboration with a third global automaker. The global automaker is working closely and meeting regularly with Ideal Power engineers on the use of B-TRAN-enabled contactors to potentially replace electromechanical contactors in its electric vehicles (EVs).
Contactors serve as cutoff switches for high voltage applications in EVs. They play a critical role in isolating the battery, inverter, and onboard charger to ensure safety when the vehicle is off or being serviced. Contactors are bidirectional and there are typically four to six high-power contactors in every EV.
The high-power EV contactor market is forecasted to grow to over $3.7 billion in 2025 and Ideal Power believes that, over time, solid-state contactors will potentially displace electromechanical contactors in half or more of this market.
Solid-state contactors provide several benefits over electromechanical contactors. They are much faster acting, thereby eliminating arcing and improving safety, and are more reliable as they do not include physical contacts subject to wear. In addition, they provide programmable settings for trip and current limits as well as built-in safety diagnostics. Solid-state contactors are also expected to cost less than electromechanical contactors in EV applications.
