Li Auto, CRRC's subsidiary team up on licensed development of XPM power module

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 21, 2025, Li Auto signed a Next-Generation Power Module Licensed Development Technology Agreement with Zhuzhou CRRC Times Semiconductor Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CRRC, at its Shanghai R&D Center.

The two parties will collaborate on the industrialization of Li Auto's proprietary XPM (eXtender Power Module) technology for use in the automaker's next-generation extended-range electric drive systems. This agreement also marks the first time Li Auto will open its XPM technology to the broader industry via licensing.

Developed over three years, the XPM module is a two-in-one power module specifically designed for range-extended electric vehicles. Li Auto has filed over 50 patents related to the technology, which combines five key innovations to deliver industry-leading performance. In addition to boosting the cost-effectiveness and technical capabilities of range-extended systems, XPM is also compatible with other dual-motor hybrid configurations.

The module's development incorporates CRRC's advanced 7.5-generation fine-groove IGBT chip technology. Li Auto has validated its performance across various application scenarios using CRRC's multipurpose packaging testing platform.

Compared to the conventional two-module solution currently prevalent in the market, the XPM integrates the functionality into a single unit, reducing total module length by approximately 38%. When compared with a standard dual-module design, the XPM enables a 50% reduction in IGBT chip area, 33% reduction in FRD chip area, and over 45% total chip area reduction. The system's parasitic inductance is lowered to just 10 nH, more than 50% less than that of traditional designs. Additional innovations—such as an integrated water-cooled plate and built-in current sensors—further reduce the volume, weight, and cost of dual-motor powertrains using the XPM module.

The XPM's superior performance and system-level benefits are supported by a suite of five core patented technologies, including an integrated structure and cooling system, optimized chip size and ratio for IGBT and FRD components, low-inductance high-voltage terminal design and key manufacturing techniques, integrated ceramic substrates for power generation, and compact, high-precision current sensor integration.

Li Auto expects the XPM module to enter mass production by 2026. It will support a wide range of platforms from 800V high-voltage architectures to conventional 400V systems, making it suitable for both range-extended and dual-motor hybrid powertrains.

The module will not be exclusive to Li Auto's next-gen range-extended systems. In a significant move, Li Auto will license the XPM technology industry-wide. Zhuzhou CRRC Times Semiconductor is the first power semiconductor supplier to secure such a license. Under the agreement, CRRC Times will lead mass production development of the XPM module based on Li Auto's technology, with applications extending beyond Li Auto's own vehicle lineup to serve other automakers as well.