Tesla could finalize its next-generation AI6 chip design by December, CEO Elon Musk said Thursday, setting an aggressive timeline for hardware that will power autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots.
The "tape out" milestone would mark completion of chip design before sending it to Samsung Electronics for manufacturing.
"With some luck and acceleration using AI. We might be able to tape out AI6 in December."
This comes as Tesla continues ordering Nvidia hardware at scale despite its push into custom silicon. The company's fifth-generation AI processor development coincides with ongoing purchases from Nvidia to support Full Self-Driving software training and expanding hardware needs.
Samsung secured a $16.5 billion deal last year to produce Tesla's AI6 chips using advanced 2-nanometer technology at its Taylor, Texas fabrication facility. A Samsung executive confirmed Wednesday that production is scheduled for the second half of 2027.
Recent reports indicate Samsung's 2nm production line has experienced delays, pushing mass production timelines back approximately six months. Quality testing won't begin until at least Q3 2027, with full-scale sales expected in Q4 2027.
Tesla shares have declined about 5% over the last month amid market volatility and developments at Musk's other companies. Baird analysts described the stock as being in a "lull" right now but maintained their outperform rating.
The AI6 chip represents Tesla's continued investment in custom hardware to minimize reliance on third-party vendors and optimize performance for autonomous systems. Samsung Foundry reportedly aims for 2 trillion won in profit this year, with Tesla AI6 production as a key revenue driver alongside high-bandwidth memory manufacturing.
Despite developing its own processors, Musk said both Tesla and SpaceX will continue ordering Nvidia chips in large volumes to support computing needs across his ventures.
