Could This New Semiconductor Technology Solve EV's Biggest Challenges?

At Benzinga’s AutoRevolution: The Future of Mobility and EVs virtual event, Ideal Power CEO Dan Brdar introduced the company's breakthrough in power semiconductor technology.

With its B-TRAN semiconductor switch, Ideal Power aims to transform electric vehicle (EV) efficiency and address some of the most pressing challenges for automakers — reducing costs, extending driving range, and speeding up charging times.

B-TRAN Semiconductor Technology

B-TRAN, a dual-polarity power switch, is designed to improve energy efficiency by making EV power systems operate more smoothly and cost-effectively.

"They’re interested in using our technology as part of an EV contactor. The contactor provides a safety feature if the battery is in an upset condition. It protects the battery and protects the car itself," Brdar said.

Ideal Power’s technology offers a valuable solution in an industry where EV manufacturers are racing to improve performance.

"Semiconductors play a big role in all three things — bringing the cost down, improving range, and making it possible to charge faster," he added. With B-TRAN, the goal is to make EVs more affordable while improving their range and charging speed — addressing some of the concerns consumers face today.

Tackling EV Industry Challenges

While EVs have gained popularity, there are still hurdles to overcome — namely cost, battery life, and charging infrastructure.

Brdar acknowledged these challenges: "The automakers are struggling to figure out how to solve some of the problems because the EVs are a new platform for all of them. So they need to do things like bring the cost down, improve the range of the electric vehicle so they get more miles out of the batteries, and be able to charge them faster."

Ideal Power's B-TRAN technology directly targets these pain points. "B-TRAN improves efficiency," Brdar said, summarizing the technology’s impact. This improvement leads to a longer range and faster charging, which is crucial for consumers and manufacturers as they seek to make EVs more practical for everyday use. With the ability to handle energy more effectively, B-TRAN has the potential to reshape the way automakers design and build their electric vehicles.

A Broad Impact Beyond Automobiles

While AutoRevolution focused on EVs, Ideal Power's technology has applications far beyond just transportation. Brdar explained how B-TRAN could improve the electrical grid and other energy systems. "We’re really the first power semiconductor device whose conduction losses are so low that you can make sense using a solid-state circuit breaker versus an electromechanical device," he said. This advancement could significantly impact energy storage and grid management, further demonstrating the broad potential of B-TRAN.

What's Next for Ideal Power

Ideal Power is already working with multiple automakers to integrate B-TRAN technology. As Brdar pointed out, "The automakers are struggling to figure out how to solve some of the problems because the EVs are a new platform for all of them." However, B-TRAN is offering a path forward, providing a solution that addresses many of the existing issues in the EV market.

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