China Accelerates Development of Automotive Chip Standards

Source: TVJ
 

In a significant move that positions China at the forefront of the global automotive industry, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish comprehensive standards for automotive chips to further boost research and development. This strategic initiative is a response to the escalating international competition in the automotive sector and the increasing demand for new-energy vehicles.

China's rise to become the world's biggest car exporter in 2023, largely fueled by its rapidly growing NEV sector, marks a pivotal moment in the global automotive landscape. This achievement is a testament to the country's resilience and innovation, especially in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, chip shortages, and fluctuations in lithium prices.

MIIT's plan aims to develop a robust set of standards that will not only guide the evolution of China's automotive chip technology but also foster an environment of independent innovation. The focus is on enhancing overall technological capabilities and competitiveness while creating a safe, open, and sustainable ecosystem for the automotive chip industry.

A critical aspect of this plan is the establishment of over 30 key standards by 2025, addressing crucial areas such as reliability, electromagnetic compatibility, and both operational and information security. By 2030, the goal is to formulate more than 70 standards that will cater to the advanced requirements of the automotive chip sector, supporting the development of forward-looking and integrated chip technologies and products.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the dramatic increase in chip usage within the NEV sector. Industry data reveals that the average number of chips used in NEVs has surged from less than 600 in 2012 to 1,459 in 2022. As NEVs mature, there is a growing demand for increasingly sophisticated chips.

In line with this, China has implemented a range of measures to support the domestic automotive chip industry. Notable among these is the establishment of an automotive integrated circuit testing and certification public lab in Shanghai. Additionally, many Chinese carmakers are ramping up their research and development efforts in automotive chips, signaling a robust and collaborative approach to innovation in this critical sector.

This development is a clear indication of China's commitment to countering global challenges, such as the chip war, and its determination to build a sound and secure industrial supply chain. The emphasis on automotive chip standards is a strategic move that reinforces China’s position as an innovative and competitive player in the global automotive industry.
 

Source: Global Times (2024) Xinhua (2024) China Business Now (2024)
Editor: Esmee Mei