Melexis to produce semiconductor chips for NIO

Melexis will provide current sensor chips for Chinese car manufacturer NIO’s traction inverter system, becoming the latest European supplier to partner with a Chinese automaker, reports Reuters. The Belgian semiconductor supplier said its chips, which are needed to convert a battery’s direct current into the alternating current used by an electric motor, will power all of NIO’s battery electric vehicles.

“Our current sensor integrated circuits, coupled with the expertise of our dedicated local engineers, will provide NIO with the support they need to achieve success in the electric vehicle market,” said Dieter Verstreken, Vice-President of Melexis’s China Strategy, in a statement.

Semiconductor suppliers like Melexis, hurt by slower global car sales, are turning to Chinese car makers, many of which are looking to expand in Europe.