Li Auto has announced the commencement of mass production for modules featuring its own silicon-carbide (SiC) power chip, marking a significant step in its preparations for the launch of new battery electric vehicle (BEV) models later this year.
The company shared the update today via Weibo, confirming that the in-house developed SiC power modules and next-generation electric drive assemblies are now being produced at the company’s semiconductor production base in Suzhou and electric drive production base in Changzhou.
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The new SiC power modules, designed and produced internally by Li Auto, are expected to enhance the performance and efficiency of the company’s upcoming BEV models. According to Li Auto, the modules will contribute to a quieter driving experience, offer a more compact design, and deliver improved energy efficiency and stronger power output. These advancements are set to be featured in the company’s upcoming BEV lineup, as the company targets enhanced vehicle performance.
Li Auto’s new models will begin production at the Changzhou plant in Jiangsu province, with mass production slated for later this year, as confirmed by Zhang Xiao, the company’s product line head, on Weibo. The company’s SiC chip R&D and production site, which began construction in August 2022, was initially expected to enter production in 2024. This production base was established through a joint venture between Li Auto and Hunan Sanan Semiconductor, a prominent domestic semiconductor company.
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In a statement from 2022, Shen Yannan, then co-founder and president of Li Auto, emphasized the importance of the in-house production of SiC automotive power modules, noting that it would help the company establish leadership in technology and products, while ensuring reliable mass production. Li Auto is currently delivering five models, including the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, Li L9, and Li Mega, and is planning to release new all-electric models in 2025, following a delay from the originally scheduled second half of 2024.
In its earnings call last May, Li Auto also highlighted the importance of having its own supercharger network in China, aiming for a level of infrastructure comparable to Tesla’s in order to support the successful launch of its all-electric products.