Tesla is abandoning Chinese components: Samsung to become 5G chip supplier
By ForGeeks
Samsung Electronics has begun supplying 5G modem chips for Tesla’s electric cars – the first time the South Korean company is providing cellular communication solutions to the American electric car maker. The first 5G Exynos modems will be delivered to Robotaxi unmanned cabs in the state of Texas, and then the technology will be extended to other Tesla models.
Samsung Electronics has begun delivering 5G modem chips to Tesla’s electric cars.
What’s known about Samsung’s 5G modem for Tesla
The System LSI division has completed development of the Exynos 5G chip and is conducting final testing before launching production. Work on the modem began in early 2024 and will be completed in late 2025, according to The Elec.
Automotive chips require different characteristics compared to mobile solutions. The chips must be able to withstand high temperatures and vibrations continuously, and operate for at least ten years without failure. Samsung has applied a special process technology to achieve these parameters.
Why Tesla is switching from Qualcomm to Samsung
Till now, Tesla has been using 5G modems from US-based Qualcomm. The decision to switch suppliers is linked to a strategy to diversify its manufacturing capacity – Tesla is looking to reduce its dependence on components from China and Taiwan.
Ilon Musk’s company is switching to suppliers capable of producing elements in South Korea or the US. Samsung meets this requirement and has manufacturing facilities in both countries.
Samsung is looking to reduce its reliance on components from China and Taiwan.
Samsung and Tesla partnership expands
The contract for 5G chips complements the two corporations’ existing partnership. In 2025, Samsung received a $16.5 billion order to produce AI6 processors for Tesla using 2-nanometer process technology. These chips will be produced at a semiconductor fab in Taylor, Texas.
Samsung’s AI6 processors for Tesla will be produced at a semiconductor fab in Taylor, Texas.
Samsung is also producing some of the AI5 processors for Tesla’s computing systems using the 4-nanometer process on U.S. soil. Samsung is gradually becoming a key supplier of semiconductor solutions for Tesla’s electric cars.
Samsung also produces some of the AI5 processors for Tesla’s computing systems on 4-nanometer process technology in the U.S.
When Samsung’s 5G chips will start shipping
The exact start date for mass deliveries of Exynos 5G modems has not yet been revealed. Tesla’s unmanned Robotaxi cabs are due to start operating in Texas in 2026, which is likely when the new communications chips will be finalized.
After the launch in Robotaxi, the technology will spread to Tesla’s Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X production electric cars. The company doesn’t specify a timeline for integrating Samsung’s 5G modems into mass-market models.
