The world of off-highway vehicles — from agricultural machinery to construction equipment and industrial logistics — is undergoing a profound transformation.
Electrification, once considered exclusive to the on-road automotive sector, is now becoming a tangible reality even in the most demanding and specialized environments. This shift is driven by very concrete needs: higher energy efficiency, reduced emissions, lower fuel consumption, and optimized use of space.
In this scenario, wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors — particularly silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies — are emerging as key enablers of the next generation of power electronics.
Power Electronics for Harsh Operating Conditions
In off-highway vehicles, power electronics are not merely auxiliary components — they are strategic elements. These systems handle energy conversion, control electric or hybrid traction, power auxiliary systems, and often manage battery charging. All this must be accomplished in environments characterized by vibrations, dust, thermal stress, and extremely tight installation spaces.
Traditional solutions based on silicon MOSFETs and IGBTs are starting to show their limits. Efficiency is not always sufficient, the size of the systems becomes a constraint, and thermal management often requires bulky and complex cooling systems.
The Added Value of Wide Bandgap Technologies
This is where SiC and GaN make the difference. These materials enable the development of devices capable of operating at higher switching frequencies and temperatures than silicon, while maintaining low energy losses. The result is more compact, lighter, and significantly more efficient power electronics.
Adopting these technologies allows for a substantial reduction in the size and weight of power converters, leading to improved overall vehicle energy efficiency. Additionally, their high-temperature tolerance makes it possible to simplify thermal management, enabling more streamlined and robust designs for electrified powertrains.
From Innovation to Implementation: Prima Electro’s Approach
In this evolving landscape, Prima Electro positions itself as a technology partner for OEMs looking to integrate SiC and GaN technologies into their vehicles. As both an ODM and system integrator, the company brings a strong track record in the development of customized power electronics solutions for off-highway applications.
Prima Electro’s approach goes beyond supplying components: it begins with co-design, continues through tailored system development, and culminates in the realization of proof-of-concept demonstrators. This enables the rapid validation of new architectures, with the confidence of working alongside a partner that deeply understands the challenges of the sector.
In recent years, Prima Electro has consolidated its expertise in advanced semiconductor integration, implementing SiC-based solutions across a wide range of industrial applications. These include high-efficiency traction inverters for construction vehicles and earth-moving machinery, compact DC/DC converters for optimized auxiliary system management, and high power density on-board chargers. In parallel, the company is actively pursuing R&D initiatives focused on GaN technologies within cutting-edge innovation projects.
WBG Electronics Is Already a Reality
Although the adoption of WBG devices entails higher initial investments compared to conventional technologies, the benefits in terms of performance, reliability, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) are now clear. For many OEMs, the main challenge lies in effectively integrating these new technologies into their systems. This is where the experience and support of a partner like Prima Electro can make a significant difference. With the right strategy and a custom approach tailored to each client’s needs, power electronics can become a key strength of the next generation of off-highway vehicles.
