Industry

AI data centre-driven power semiconductor market enters new phase as 8-inch SiC shift accelerates

Chinese power semiconductor companies that expanded market share with low-priced supply have begun raising prices, a shift expected to accelerate South Korean companies\' move to 8-inch (200 mm) silicon carbide wafers. Global leaders are also lifting prices as AI data centre demand spreads supply shortages to MLCCs and power semiconductors. Domestic firms are lining up GaN and SiC production plans. The industry faces complex SiC processes and yield challenges, while the government is upgrading public fab infrastructure in the south and planning integrated R&D.

Mobility

McLaren P1 battery upgrade triples capacity, cuts weight by 23 kg

A replacement high-voltage battery upgrade for the McLaren P1 has been released, aimed at addressing performance decline in early-production cars. UK-based V Engineering unveiled its Project Continuum swap-in battery, described as a plug-and-play replacement for the original McLaren unit. Using 21700 lithium-ion cells, it raises total capacity to 12.4 kWh from 4.72 kWh and is about 23 kg lighter.