In a bold strategic move, Tesla has signed a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung Electronics to manufacture advanced semiconductor chips for its future electric vehicles (EVs), marking one of the largest chip deals in recent years.
According to South Korean media, Samsung will produce Tesla’s next-generation chips using its 4nm fabrication process at facilities in South Korea. The chips are expected to power Tesla’s core vehicle control and autonomous driving systems.
These 4nm chips will play a crucial role in Tesla’s upcoming self-driving models, enabling faster data processing, lower power consumption, and enhanced AI integration. The collaboration aims to boost overall performance, safety, and the user experience of Tesla’s vehicles.
Partnering with Samsung, the world’s second-largest chipmaker, allows Tesla to diversify its semiconductor supply chain. It also helps mitigate reliance on a single provider like TSMC (Taiwan) amid a global chip shortage.
Industry analysts view this partnership not just as a chip supply contract, but as a strategic maneuver to reinforce Tesla’s leadership in the increasingly competitive EV market — where semiconductor technology is becoming a key differentiator.
As legacy automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota accelerate their digital transformation and autonomous vehicle programs, Tesla’s investment in cutting-edge chip technologies underscores its ambition to stay at the forefront of innovation.
Samsung has previously supplied camera system chips for Tesla vehicles. Expanding this relationship to include central control chips signals growing trust between the two tech giants.
For Samsung, the $16.5 billion deal represents a significant expansion in its foundry business, helping it gain ground in contract chip manufacturing. For Tesla, it ensures advanced manufacturing capabilities, scale, and supply chain security.
This landmark agreement could serve as a strong bullish signal for investors in both Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930). Tesla’s commitment to core technologies like 4nm chips demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to building its autonomous and AI-driven ecosystem. Meanwhile, Samsung solidifies its position as a global semiconductor leader beyond the smartphone market.
The Tesla-Samsung partnership is more than just a multibillion-dollar deal — it is a pivotal moment in the intersection of the EV, semiconductor, and AI industries. In the new industrial era, chips are no longer auxiliary components; they are the “brains” shaping the future of mobility and technology.