Li Auto Establishes First Overseas R&D Center in Germany
On January 19, Li Auto officially opened its first overseas research and development (R&D) center in Germany. This marks the company's first step toward a global R&D strategy and highlights its commitment to advancing innovation on a global scale.
On January 19, Li Auto officially opened its first overseas research and development (R&D) center in Germany. This marks the company's first step toward a global R&D strategy and highlights its commitment to advancing innovation on a global scale.
Strategic R&D Expansion
Before the establishment of the German R&D center, Li Auto had already set up major R&D facilities in Beijing and Shanghai, focusing on the independent development of core technologies in electrification and smart vehicle systems. The German center will complement these efforts by working collaboratively with the Chinese R&D teams.
The German R&D center will focus on four key areas of next-generation technology:
Advanced Design
Power Semiconductors
Intelligent Chassis
Electric Powertrains
Focus on Power Semiconductors
As the automotive industry continues to pivot toward electrification, intelligence, and connectivity, the role of power semiconductors becomes increasingly critical. In electric vehicles (EVs), power semiconductors are essential for energy conversion and control across multiple components, including battery management systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and onboard chargers. This growing demand for power semiconductors aligns with Li Auto’s global R&D strategy.
Li Auto has already achieved significant milestones in power semiconductor technology:
SiC Power Modules: Li Auto has developed its first-generation silicon carbide (SiC) power modules in-house. Compared to industry-standard products, these modules offer higher energy conversion efficiency. The SiC modules, combined with a compact design and multi-component integration in motor controllers, enable lightweight vehicle designs and reduced energy consumption.
Looking ahead, Li Auto's Chinese and German R&D teams will collaborate on the development of next-generation power semiconductor technology to further improve vehicle performance and efficiency.
Key Manufacturing Initiatives
In addition to the German R&D center, Li Auto has been expanding its domestic semiconductor production capabilities:
In 2022, Li Auto began constructing a power semiconductor R&D and manufacturing facility in Suzhou High-Tech Zone, Jiangsu Province. Operated in partnership with Hunan Sanan Semiconductor under their joint venture, Suzhou SiC Semiconductor Co., the facility is set to begin production in 2024 with an annual capacity of 2.4 million SiC half-bridge power modules.
In March 2024, Li Auto also signed a strategic partnership with Chiplink Integrated Circuit Technology, focusing on silicon carbide solutions to accelerate product development and enhance market competitiveness.
Industry-Wide Collaboration in SiC Technology
Li Auto is not alone in investing heavily in SiC power semiconductor technology. Numerous automotive brands are forging partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers to enhance SiC applications in EVs. This broader collaboration across the industry underscores the pivotal role of SiC technology in shaping the future of electric and smart mobility.
