Tesla to Reduce Use of Silicon Carbide & Rare Earth Metals in Its Next-Gen Vehicles

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Tesla plans to reduce the use of silicon carbide transistors by 75% for the production of its next-gen vehicles. The company also said that new powertrains will feature motors built without any rare earth metals.

At Wednesday's Investor Day, Tesla said it plans to significantly reduce the use of silicon carbide transistors in its next-generation vehicle powertrains. The announcement came as the company talked about how it plans to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining the high performance and energy efficiency of its electric vehicles.

Powertrain engineering leader, Colin Campbell, said that “In our next powertrain, the silicon carbide transistors that I mentioned, that are key components but expensive, we figured out a way to use 75% less without compromising the performance or the efficiency of the car.” He also said Tesla's new powertrains will feature motors made without any rare earth metals.

At the moment, chips made from silicon carbide transistors are widely used in electric vehicles. They can withstand more heat, have a longer life, and are more energy-efficient than semiconductors made with silicon power transistors, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Tesla said it found a way to have all of this without using silicon carbide transistors, but did not go into details.

It is worth bearing in mind that the reduction in the use of silicon carbide transistors only applies to the new platform, the production of which should be 50% cheaper, according to the statement. Tesla has not stated that this change will affect its existing Model S/X, Model 3/Y, and Cybertruck platforms.

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