Core Viewpoint - The debate over whether to use consumer-grade chips or automotive-grade chips in vehicles continues, with strong arguments on both sides regarding safety and performance [3][5]. Group 1: Differences Between Consumer-grade and Automotive-grade Chips - Automotive-grade chips are governed by industry standards, specifically AEC-Q100, which includes rigorous testing for environmental stress, longevity, packaging integrity, manufacturing reliability, electrical validation, and defect screening [18][23]. - Consumer-grade chips typically have less stringent temperature requirements, often ranging from 0 to 70°C, compared to automotive-grade chips that can operate in extreme conditions from -40°C to +150°C [20][22]. - The automotive industry recognizes AEC-Q100 as a benchmark for reliability, even though it lacks legal enforcement, leading to widespread acceptance across the supply chain [24]. Group 2: Reasons for Using Consumer-grade Chips - Automotive-grade chips face challenges such as insufficient computing power and higher costs, prompting some manufacturers to opt for consumer-grade chips [25][26]. - Companies like Tesla have consistently used consumer-grade chips for their infotainment systems, citing their superior performance and cost-effectiveness [26][29]. - The rapid evolution of automotive technology demands higher performance from chips, which consumer-grade options can provide more readily than automotive-grade alternatives [30][40]. Group 3: Future of Automotive Chips in China - The automotive industry is evolving quickly, and existing standards may not adequately address the needs of modern smart vehicles, necessitating a reevaluation of chip standards [41][46]. - The establishment of a national automotive chip standard verification platform in China indicates a move towards developing relevant standards for the industry [47][49]. - The future direction of automotive chips may involve either enhancing automotive-grade chip performance or allowing consumer-grade chips with compliance processes, but the AEC-Q standard should remain a fundamental guideline [52][51].

Policy Highlights - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released the 2025 automotive standardization work points, focusing on enhancing the safety of new energy vehicles, strengthening standards for intelligent connected vehicles, and accelerating the revision of automotive chip standards [1][2] - The work points emphasize the need to improve the safety level of new energy vehicles, particularly in terms of battery safety and convenience, and to establish a safety baseline for autonomous driving systems [3][4] Focus Areas - **Battery Safety**: The work points highlight the importance of improving the safety and convenience of power batteries, including the review and approval of standards for battery durability and thermal management systems, as well as the development of standards for solid-state batteries and battery labeling [3] - **Autonomous Driving Safety**: There is a strong emphasis on establishing safety standards for autonomous driving systems, including the revision of standards for lane-keeping assistance and the development of standards for parking assistance systems [4] - **Chip Standards**: The work points call for the acceleration of the revision of automotive chip standards, including the implementation of standards for safety chips and power drive chips, to address the industry's challenges related to chip shortages [5] Industry Analysis - The frequent mention of "safety" in the 2025 automotive standardization work points indicates a strong focus on ensuring the safety of new energy vehicles and traditional automotive safety standards [6] - The industry recognizes that safety is paramount for the sustainable and healthy development of the new energy vehicle sector, especially during this critical phase of industry transformation [7]