Li Auto Reportedly Begins Commercializing In-House Chips, SiC Modules, and Range Extenders
Chinese automaker Li Auto has reportedly begun commercializing its core proprietary technologies, spinning off its 5nm Mach M100 chip business and SiC semiconductor subsidiary into standalone entities to serve external clients and attract outside investment. The company is also making its range-extender power systems available to third-party customers. This strategic move transitions Li Auto from a consumer EV manufacturer toward an upstream tech vendor, helping monetize its heavy R&D investments. It also allows the company to tap into broader markets beyond automotive, including embodied AI and robotics. The 5nm Mach M100 chip delivers 1,280 TOPS of AI compute per chip and has already been pitched to embodied AI startups, though customer adoption will depend on software migration complexity. In contrast, Li Auto has no plans to supply its proprietary battery technology externally due to high customization constraints.
## BACKGROUND
Silicon Carbide (SiC) power modules are high-efficiency semiconductor devices that reduce power loss and improve heat tolerance in electric vehicles compared to traditional silicon. Automakers increasingly design custom AI silicon to accelerate smart-driving algorithms, while range-extender systems use small internal combustion engines purely to generate power and extend battery range.