Shanghai (ZXZC)- BAIC BJEV inked an agreement with ROHM Semiconductor, a Japanese electronic parts manufacturer, several days ago for a joint laboratory that focuses on SiC (silicon carbide)-related products and technologies. The joint lab was unveiling at the same time.

The building of the joint lab can be regarded as part of efforts for BAIC BJEV to fortify the strength of technology independent development. Using the lab, the EV maker will make pre-research over new technologies like SiC and be devoted to developing relevant new products together with its Japanese partner.

The third-generation power semiconductor materials including SiC has been widely used in the NEV industry in recent year. The electronic parts featuring SiC material are smaller and lighter than the traditional Si-based IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) and boasts higher systematic efficiency.

It is reported that BAIC BJEV has sold around 128,000 vehicles for the first eleven months, which indicates that the EV maker should sell over 20,000 vehicles in the year-end spurt to fulfill its 150,000-unit annual sales target. However, Li Yixiu, deputy general manager of BAIC BJEV, stated at the GNEV9 (2018 Global New Energy Vehicle Conference) that the company is likely to complete the original sales goal this year, and meanwhile increases the target to 220,000 units for 2019.