What Really Changes in a 900V Electric Car Compared to Current Systems: NIO Shows It with ES9
onsemi and NIO have announced the expansion of their strategic collaboration to accelerate the development of next-generation EV platforms at 900V.
At the heart of the agreement is EliteSiC enhanced M3e, the latest generation of silicon carbide MOSFETs from the American manufacturer, which enables NIO's architecture to transition from 400V systems to operational voltages of up to 900V, with models already confirmed for the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.
From 400V to 900V: How Involvement Changes
The partnership between the two groups did not start today: onsemi has already supported NIO's 400V platforms with previously selected SiC modules since 2022. However, the current agreement marks a qualitative shift in their relationship: from component supply to a strategic alignment at the system level, with onsemi directly integrated into the design process of the new high-voltage architectures. This type of collaboration reduces development complexity and speeds up time-to-market for both partners.
From a technical standpoint, EliteSiC M3e brings improvements to the body diode characteristics to optimize switching performance and reduce energy losses during turn-on (Eon), ensuring short-circuit robustness compared to the previous generation. The result is a higher overall system output, improved thermal performance, and greater powertrain efficiency. As reported in onsemi's official statement, these advancements translate into increased range per charging cycle, smoother acceleration even at high speeds and under load, and shorter charging times thanks to high-voltage fast-charge systems.
ES9 and Models at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show
Among the first NIO vehicles to integrate this technology is the ES9, the brand's new flagship SUV, along with other models debuting at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The 900V architecture is not a new direction for NIO: the manufacturer had already taken this path with the ET9, the flagship sedan that entered production in 2024 with fast charging support up to 600 kW and surge currents of 765 A, which anticipated the group's inclination towards higher voltages. However, with the ES9 and the new 2026 models, NIO is taking this approach to a larger scale and with a significantly deeper level of semiconductor integration.
Alan Zeng, CEO of XPT (NIO's powertrain unit), described the evolution of the partnership: "Our collaboration with onsemi has evolved in parallel with our technological roadmap, from 400V systems to today's 900V platforms. The performance and reliability of EliteSiC, combined with strong technical collaboration, help us bring more efficient and high-performance vehicles to market for our customers around the world."
SiC and High Voltage: The Direction of the Industry
Hassane El-Khoury, President and CEO of onsemi, frames the agreement in a broader context: "Electrification is entering a new phase where system efficiency and scalability are critical. Our expanded collaboration with NIO demonstrates how a deep alignment of engineering and technological roadmaps can accelerate the transition to high-voltage architectures. With EliteSiC, we are enabling higher performance, improved efficiency, and accelerated time-to-market for next-generation EV platforms."
The direction taken by onsemi and NIO reflects a structural trend in the automotive industry: manufacturers are seeking direct involvement from semiconductor suppliers already in the system design phases to contain complexity and shorten execution times. With 900V architectures set to become widespread in the premium segment, silicon carbide is solidifying its role as the reference material for high-efficiency electric traction.