Denso invests $500 million in silicon carbide wafer company

Denso Corporation has announced a minority investment of US $500 million in Silicon Carbide, Coherent Corp’s silicon carbide (SiC) business. Mitsubishi Electric is also investing a similar $500 million for a 12.5% non-controlling interest in the silicon carbide business.

Silicon Carbide, which was originally established by Coherent in April 2023, manufactures SiC wafers. This investment will ensure a long-term stable procurement of SiC wafers to enhance the competitiveness of Denso’s electrification components. With this equity investment, Denso will hold 12.5% equity stake in Silicon Carbide.

As vehicle electrification accelerates as part of the global effort to reduce CO₂ emissions, semiconductor demand has also grown rapidly. SiC is a key material for devices that significantly contribute to reducing power loss, downsizing, and lightweighting of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) systems, owing to its superior performance in high-temperature, high-frequency and high-voltage environments compared to that of conventional silicon.

Through this investment in Silicon Carbide, which has an excellent track record in SiC wafer quality and mass production capabilities, Denso will secure a stable procurement of quality 150mm and 200mm SiC wafers. This will further strengthen the competitiveness of Denso’s inverters, which drive and control motors of electric vehicles.

“We are very pleased to establish a strategic relationship with Coherent, which has a world-class track record in SiC wafer manufacturing. Through this investment, we will secure a stable procurement of SiC wafers, which are critical for BEVs, and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society by promoting the widespread adoption of BEVs,” said Shinnosuke Hayashi, President and COO, Representative Member of the Board at Denso.

Dr. Vincent D. Mattera, Jr., Chair and CEO at Coherent, said, “We are excited to expand our strategic relationships with Denso to capitalise on the significant demand for silicon carbide. The investments from our strategic partners will be used to accelerate our capacity expansion plans and help sustain our leadership position, while ensuring the development of a robust and scalable supply for the rapidly growing market for SiC-based power electronics, largely driven by the explosive growth of the global electric vehicle market.”

Market estimates indicate that the SiC total addressable market will grow from $3 billion in 2022 to $21 billion in 2030, representing a 28% compound annual growth rate.