Accelerating chip independence is Li Auto’s Silicon Quest
Chinese electric vehicle upstart Li Auto is accelerating efforts to build in-house auto chips by recruiting semiconductor engineers in Singapore.
The company aims to establish an R&D center in the city-state for developing silicon carbide power modules used in electric motors and batteries.
Li Auto posted 5 openings in Singapore, including a general manager to lead plans for its budding chip division.
Geopolitical Tensions Drive Self-Reliance Strategy
The overseas talent search underscores Li Auto’s growing focus on supply chain self-reliance amid geopolitical tensions that threaten access to critical components.
Li Auto ships over 100,000 vehicles a quarter, topping rival Xpeng’s figures as Chinese EV startups gain ground. Advanced driver assistance features are also key local selling points.
But COVID disruptions and potential chip sanctions incentivize automating more semiconductor design and production in-house like Tesla.
Li Auto’s technological barrier needs to be built by Singapore
Li Auto’s technological barrier needs to be built by Singapore.
Local giants like Nio, Xpeng and BAIC are pursuing similar strategies. Competition is fierce for semiconductor expertise as autos grow more software-defined.
By tapping Singapore’s chip ecosystem, Li Auto aims to bolster its technology moat and control over components powering next-gen features.
The chip team recruitment reveals Li Auto’s ambitions extend beyond just car manufacturing into vertically integrating software and hardware critical for electric, automated vehicles.
