Li Auto's In-House Chip Development Focuses on Systematic AI Capabilities

[Technology Strategy] Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, responded to skepticism about the company’s in-house chip development, emphasizing that it is not a costly trend-following move.

Core Direction: In-House Chips Enable Full-Stack AI Deployment in Physical Systems

Li clearly stated that the goal of developing the Mach M100 chip is not for show, but to address AI performance bottlenecks that generic supplier solutions cannot overcome. Li Auto is simultaneously advancing co-design across chips, operating systems, large models, and hardware, building a tightly integrated software-hardware closed loop.

Strategic Foundation: Emulating Apple’s End-to-End Autonomous Experience

He pointed out that Apple’s exceptional user experience stems from its seamless, vertically integrated self-developed stack. Li Auto aims to replicate this logic in the smart EV space—enhancing AI responsiveness and system stability through deep synergy among chip architecture, compilers, and manufacturing technologies, rather than merely imitating UI or features.

Industry Impact: AI-Era Competition Shifts Toward Holistic 'All-Around Excellence'

Li stressed, “The era of competing on single-point excellence is over.” Future success hinges on comprehensive, system-level capabilities. This move could drive new EV players to shift their focus from application-layer innovation to competition in foundational technology integration.