Tesla is continuing to explore new horizons in chip manufacturing, now eyeing Intel’s foundry services to expand its roster of suppliers. After establishing partnerships with TSMC and Samsung, the electric vehicle giant is considering Intel as a potential partner to satisfy its growing semiconductor needs.
Tesla’s Potential Partnership with Intel’s 18A Node Technology
Intel Foundry Services has struggled to attract significant external business despite its competitive 18A process. However, Elon Musk has hinted at a possible collaboration, emphasizing Tesla’s need for massive chip production across multiple partners. If successful, Tesla would be the first to utilize chips from Samsung, TSMC, and Intel, marking a significant milestone in its supply chain strategy.
Maybe we’ll do something with Intel. We haven’t signed any deal, but it’s probably worth having discussions with Intel. Even when we extrapolate the best case scenario for chip production from our suppliers. it is still not enough.
– Elon Musk
Should Tesla secure a collaboration with Intel, it would likely focus on the 18A node, known for its competitive edge. Tesla is actively seeking ‘2nm suppliers’ for its upcoming AI6 chips, aligning well with Intel’s current capabilities. Previously, Intel was rumored to offer advanced packaging for Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer, but with that project’s closure, new opportunities for semiconductor collaboration have emerged.
Advantages of a US-Based Intel-Tesla Collaboration
Among the major chip manufacturers, Intel currently operates the most advanced facility in the US. The Arizona Fab 52 plant is already mass-producing the 18A node, which rivals TSMC’s N2 and Samsung’s SF2. For Tesla, which places a high value on ‘manufacturing in America’, partnering with Intel offers the benefit of accessing top-notch fabrication technology domestically. However, the specifics of this potential partnership remain uncertain as Elon Musk has yet to disclose detailed plans. This possible alliance signifies a strategic move for Tesla, potentially positioning Intel as a key player in the automaker’s supply chain.