Changan's New GaN-Based Charger Revolutionizes EV Efficiency
Beijing, Friday, 7 February 2025.
Changan launches its first commercial Gallium Nitride (GaN) On-Board Charger, boosting energy efficiency and setting new standards for electric vehicle performance in Europe.
Technical Breakthrough
Changan Automobile, in collaboration with Navitas Technology, has achieved a significant milestone with their GaN-based On-Board Charger (OBC), integrated into the Qiyuan E07 electric vehicle [1]. The innovative charger operates at an impressive 96% efficiency and delivers a power density of 6 kW per liter [2]. This advancement is projected to extend vehicle driving range by approximately 10,000 kilometers over the vehicle’s lifetime, while potentially reducing charging costs by 15-20% compared to conventional OBC solutions [2].
Vehicle Specifications and Performance
The Qiyuan E07, built on Changan’s SDA platform, demonstrates impressive performance metrics. The dual-motor variant delivers 598 hp (440 kW) with a top speed of 210 km/h, while the single-motor version produces 343 hp (252 kW) [2]. The vehicle incorporates advanced features including LiDAR technology and low-earth orbit satellite connectivity for continuous internet access [2]. These specifications position the vehicle competitively in the European market, where industry experts indicate that EVs must achieve 350-mile ranges with 20-minute charging times for mainstream adoption [2].
Market Impact and Industry Trends
This launch coincides with significant developments in the wider automotive technology landscape. The timing is particularly relevant as wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor suppliers prepare for 300 mm production to accommodate growing demand for GaN and SiC technologies [1]. The advancement in GaN technology allows for smaller, lighter designs with better performance through reduced switching losses compared to traditional silicon-based components [2]. This development aligns with the industry’s push toward more efficient and compact power electronics solutions [GPT].
Future Implications
The introduction of commercial GaN-based OBC technology represents a turning point in automotive power electronics [2]. This innovation emerges alongside other significant industry developments, including Infineon Technologies’ introduction of the OPTIREG PMIC TLF35585 for automotive applications on February 6, 2025 [5]. These parallel developments suggest a broader industry shift toward more efficient power management solutions in electric vehicles, particularly as manufacturers work to meet increasingly stringent European energy efficiency standards [GPT].