Stellantis unveils semiconductor strategy
Stellantis is adopting a diversified strategy for sourcing semiconductors for its future electric car platforms. The carmaker has already signed direct partnerships for the supply of semiconductors with a purchase value of more than ten billion euros by 2030 with several manufacturers.
For its STLA platforms, the carmaker cooperates with strategic partners from the semiconductor industry, such as Infineon, NXP Semiconductors, Onsemi and Qualcomm. In addition, Stellantis is working with aiMotive and SiliconAuto to develop its own custom semiconductors in the future, according to the release.
Stellantis says it has entered into direct partnerships to supply semiconductors with a purchase value of more than ten billion euros by 2030. “As the auto industry’s demand for semiconductors accelerates, Stellantis is implementing a multifaceted strategy designed to manage and secure the long-term supply of vital microchips. Developed by a cross-functional team, the strategy was created through a rigorous assessment of customer desires for advanced technology features and a keen focus on delivering the objectives laid out in the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 plan,” the automaker writes in the release.
The semiconductor strategy includes implementing a semiconductor database to provide full transparency on semiconductor content and a systematic risk assessment “to avoid and proactively remove legacy parts.” There will be “long-term chip level demand forecasting to support capacity securitization agreements with chip makers and Silicon Foundries” and a “Green List to reduce chip diversity and – in case of future chip shortages – to put Stellantis in control of the allocation”. And the direct purchase “of mission-critical parts” from chip manufacturers to ensure long-term supply.
This strategy will be “refined continuously”, according to the statement. “An effective semiconductor strategy requires a deep understanding of semiconductors and the semiconductor industry,” says Maxime Picat, Chief Purchasing and Supply Chain Officer at Stellantis. “We have hundreds of very different semiconductors in our cars. We have built a comprehensive ecosystem to mitigate the risk that one missing chip can stop our lines. At the same time, key vehicle capabilities directly depend on the innovation and performance of single devices.”
As an example of such innovation, Picat cites SiC MOSFETS, silicon carbide-based semiconductors that are fundamental to electric vehicle range” But also computing power from “leading-edge SoCs” (i.e. system-on-a-chip, or SoC), which is “essential for the customer experience and safety.”
Stellantis recently unveiled details of its STLA Medium platform for future electric cars in the C and D segments.
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