Reports indicate that Tesla’s upcoming next-generation AI6 chip will not have its initial samples produced at Samsung’s U.S. facilities. Instead, the first batch will be manufactured and packaged at Samsung’s domestic fabs in Korea.
This chip is regarded as a key component of Tesla’s future intelligent strategy, expected to be deployed in high-volume products such as the Cybercab autonomous taxi and the Optimus humanoid robot, providing the computing power needed for large-scale commercial rollout.
Korea First, U.S. to Follow
According to ZDNet Korea, AI6 sample production will first begin in Korea. Mass production, however, will shift to Samsung’s advanced fab in Taylor, Texas, USA. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2025, with equipment investments for volume production already being made this year.
Samsung has completed its second-generation 2nm process design kit. Compared with the previous generation, the new node offers 12% performance improvement, 25% lower power consumption, and an 8% reduction in chip area, showcasing significant technological progress.
Previous reports suggested that Tesla and Samsung had reached a $16.5 billion chip production agreement. Elon Musk later commented on X that this figure represents only the minimum scale. As Optimus and Cybercab enter mass production, demand for AI6 chips is expected to rise sharply, potentially expanding the scope of collaboration further.
Musk also emphasized Tesla’s deep partnership with Samsung. He revealed plans to personally oversee production lines to accelerate R&D and manufacturing. In a video conference with Samsung executives, both sides confirmed they would leverage their respective technological and industrial strengths to ensure successful chip mass production.
They do. I had a video call with the chairman and senior leadership of Samsung to go over what a real partnership would be like.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 29, 2025
Use the strengths of both companies to achieve a great outcome.
Conclusion
From the production roadmap and capital commitments to executive-level coordination, it is clear that the AI6 chip is of strategic importance to both Tesla and Samsung. This is more than just a chip deal — it represents a critical step toward advancing the electric vehicle and robotics industries into a new era.