The overall efficiency of a SiC drive system is systematically investigated and optimised for typical mission profiles of pump applications. The investigated system includes all components required for operation, such as gate drivers, fans, etc., and extends from the mains connection to the motor shaft. In particular, the influence of the semiconductor switching frequency on the total efficiency is assessed. The investigations and optimisations are carried out experimentally by means of parameter variation on a SiC pump drive system in the power range of several kW, whereby the SiC converter is devel-oped in this project. Furthermore, a simulation tool is developed which facilitates the determination of the energetically optimal design of a SiC drive system for given application profiles. The results obtained for the overall efficiency are compared with a commercially available silicon-based pump drive system and from this the energy-saving potential for these applications in Swit-zerland is determined.