Andy Nurman
December 26, 2023
Tesla will start using advanced 3nm chips made by chipmaker TSMC in 2024, according to GizmoChina. TSMC plans to begin mass production of these tiny 3nm chips next year. The chips are expected to offer better performance and use less power compared to older 5nm chips.
Tesla has worked with TSMC before on chips for its self-driving and computer systems. The new 3nm chips will likely be used in Tesla’s upcoming fully self-driving computer system.
Using TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm chip manufacturing technology will help Tesla improve its autonomous driving and artificial intelligence capabilities. It also strengthens the partnership between the electric vehicle maker and the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer.
In related news, electric vehicle maker NIO unveiled its own in-house developed 5nm self-driving chip last week. The chip is designed to power autonomous driving capabilities in NIO’s vehicles. Apple was previously the first company to utilize TSMC’s most advanced 3nm chip manufacturing process for its latest iPhone 15 Pro models. Looking ahead, reports indicate Apple is already working with TSMC to develop 2nm chips expected to be even smaller, faster and more efficient.
As major technology and automotive companies push for more advanced chips to enable new features, they are partnering with leading Asian chip foundries like TSMC. The semiconductor industry is racing to pack more computing power onto tiny slivers of silicon. Tesla’s adoption of 3nm chips, NIO’s 5nm, and Apple’s moves to 3nm and even 2nm processes underscore how critical state-of-the-art chips are becoming, especially for artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
