Cree Rebrands as Wolfspeed, Strikes Deal with GM

The semiconductor solutions developer formerly known as Cree Inc. has officially launched under a new name, Wolfspeed Inc. The company, credited with developing the first blue LED and, in 1991, the first commercial SiC wafer, said the name change followed a multiyear transformation that involved the divestiture of two-thirds of the business, as well as a repositioning of its overall strategy.

Wolfspeed issued a press release announcing the change Oct. 4, the same day it announced it had formed a supplier agreement with General Motors to develop and provide SiC power device solutions for GM’s future electric vehicles programs. Per the agreement, Wolfspeed’s SiC devices will enable GM to install more efficient EV propulsion systems that will extend the range of its EV portfolio.

Wolfspeed SiC will be used in the integrated power electronics contained within GM’s Ultium Drive units in its next-generation EVs. GM will participate in the Wolfspeed Assurance of Supply Program, which aims to secure domestic, sustainable, and scalable materials for EV production.

“Customers of EVs are looking for greater range, and we see silicon carbide as an essential material in the design of our power electronics to meet customer demand,” said Shilpan Amin, GM vice president of global purchasing and supply chain. “Working with Wolfspeed will help ensure we can deliver on our vision of an all-electric future.”

Wolfspeed will produce the SiC power device solutions at its 200-mm-capable Mohawk Valley Fab in Marcy, N.Y. Launching in early 2022, the facility will expand capacity for the company’s SiC technologies, Wolfspeed said.