Tesla May Double Samsung AI6 Chip Orders

According to a report from Korean media outlet The Elec, Tesla is in talks with Samsung Electronics to expand wafer foundry orders for its next-generation AI6 AI chip, potentially more than doubling production capacity.

Sources familiar with the matter say senior executives from both companies are expected to meet this week to discuss increasing output of the AI6 chip. The move highlights Tesla's accelerating investment in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies.

Back in July 2025, Samsung Electronics secured a major contract from Tesla worth 22.8 trillion won (around $17 billion), with supply scheduled through December 31, 2033. The eight-year agreement includes manufacturing Tesla's AI6 chips using Samsung's 2nm process technology at its new semiconductor facility in Taylor, Texas. At the time, the initial plan was to produce about 16,000 wafers per month.

Industry sources now indicate Tesla has requested a significant capacity increase, proposing to raise monthly production by 24,000 wafers. If negotiations move forward successfully, total monthly output could reach around 40,000 wafers. Such an expansion would help improve utilization at Samsung's Texas fab while providing a strong boost to its advanced semiconductor manufacturing roadmap.

Tesla's upcoming AI6 chip is expected to power a wide range of AI-driven applications. Beyond its role in the company's autonomous driving systems, the processor is also designed for use in Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot and the planned Cybercab autonomous taxi platform, both key elements of Tesla's broader AI ecosystem.

The company is significantly ramping up spending to support these initiatives. In January, Tesla projected its 2026 capital expenditure will exceed $20 billion, nearly double the $8–11 billion annual range seen in recent years and marking the highest investment level in its history.

At the same time, Tesla has been strengthening a localized supply chain strategy, prioritizing critical components manufactured within the United States. Samsung's new 2nm fabrication facility in Taylor, Texas aligns well with that approach, reinforcing the long-term strategic partnership between the two companies as demand for advanced AI hardware continues to grow.