Abstract: Due to the harsh mission of the electric vehicle, the inverter of the powertrain for electric vehicle applications requires high reliability. However, the power electronic device performs a very high failure rate. It is urgent to assess the lifetime characteristics of the inverter for the electric vehicle. Focusing on the standard drive cycle and actual drive cycle, the lifetime of the SiC inverter for electric vehicle is insightfully characterized, combining the dynamical model of the electric vehicle and the electro-thermal model of the power device. Firstly, based on the drive cycle and road profile of the mission of the electric vehicle, taking the vehicle kinetics, mathematical model of motor and its control strategy into account, the mission profile of the SiC inverter is created. Secondly, concerning the power loss model of the power device, the dissipation characteristics of the inverter are derived. Then, from the multi-physics perspective, a synthetic model is proposed to assess the lifetime of the SiC inverter, including the electro-thermal model coupling, the lifetime model, and the cumulative damage model of the power module. Finally, considering the influences of the drive cycle, road profile, heat dissipation, vehicle mass, and inverter specification of the vehicle, the lifetime of the inverter is comprehensively assessed. The created models, proposed methodologies, and observed mechanisms might enhance the design and control of the SiC power module and powertrain of the electric vehicle.