SiC MOSFET vs Si IGBT: Use Cases in 2025
Both IGBTs and SiC MSOFETs are extensively used in power electronics. However, their specific niches are evolving as technology pushes limitations boundaries in both types of transistors. Below are some specific applications better suited for each type of switching device.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Powertrains
Fast switching frequency, high voltage and current handling, and thermal performance are the go-to issues when considering electric vehicle battery system design. Before SiC MOSFETs, most EV battery systems utilized IGBTs for their 400 V systems for motor inverters. However, the SiC MOSFETs changed the game with new possibilities without much compromise on space, quality, or cost. In 2025, new EV models (especially the ones with bigger 800 V systems) will use SiC MSOFETs based inverters. A classic example of SiC MOSFET utilization is in Tesla cars, which famously introduced SiC MOSFETs in their Model 3 cars. Tesla was the first in EV automative industry to use SiC MOSFET.
SiC MOSFETs deliver outstanding advantages that no other transistor could provide:
- High switching frequencyenables smaller inverter size saving more space of bigger batter pack
- Lower inverter losses(up to 10%) providing 5-10% more driving range
- Enabling fast chargingvia 350 kW chargers and even more.
A McKinsey report projects over half of the EV automotives utilizing the SiC MOSFETs in their inverters by 2027. Likewise, based on evolving EV demands, the expected SiC production is also estimated to drastically rise by 2027 as shown in the image below:
Renewable Energy Inverters (Solar, Wind)
Solar farms and wind turbines use DC-AC inverters to harvest solar and wind energy from DC form to AC form. Likewise, AC energy is converted to DC for battery bank charging. Previously, the inverters of the power 50 kW- 250 kW employed IGBTs in their inverter circuit. More recently, however, SiC MOSFETs are preferred over the traditional IGBTs to substantially increase the efficiency and power density of solar inverters. As demonstrated in the following chart, the SiC MOSFET-based inverters are able to provide 1% higher efficiency at the input voltage.
The built-in, high switching frequency of SiC MOSFET allows for smaller magnetics, enabling better space and thermal management, and yielding lower eventual cost. It is crucial to mention here that the industry in renewable energy inverters has yet to see noticeable traction in SiC MOSFET adoption due to existing high-reliability and trust in IGBT-based inverter installation.
Nonetheless, as the industry aims to squeeze every bit of inverter space, thermal performance, and bigger systems, the SiC MOSFET is becoming the next big thing in power electronics.
Aerospace, Defense, and Drones
Aerospace, defense, and drone industries represent sectors where cost is not the primary concern, making SiC MOSFETs well-suited for these applications. SiC MOSFET’s superior radiation resistance (attributed to the wide bandgap) results in reduced susceptibility to radiation-induced failures—a significant advantage for space electronics and high-altitude flight systems.
Smaller hobby drones (often operating at <50 V) may use Si MOSFETs or even GaN FETs because of low voltages and existing high efficiency. However, high-power drones or eVTOL (electric helicopters/flying taxis) operating on higher voltages could substantially leverage SiC to squeeze weight in their motor controllers.
