Xiaomi YU7 Uses Consumer-Grade Chip, Fuels Safety Concerns

The automotive industry is witnessing an intense discussion over using consumer-grade chips in vehicles, triggered by a video statement from Li Fenggang, Executive Deputy General Manager of FAW-Audi Sales Co, Ltd.

Li stressed that “cars are not fast-moving consumer goods” and Audi “will never practice on users,” highlighting concerns about reliability and safety.

For those unaware, FAW-Audi Sales Co, Ltd is the Chinese arm of Audi, in collaboration with FAW Group, which has been operating since 1991. 

Xiaomi YU7 Controversy

The controversy gained momentum with the launch of Xiaomi’s YU7, which uses a consumer-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip for its cockpit system. 

This has raised questions about the suitability of such chips in vehicles, contrasting with automotive-grade semiconductors that meet stringent standards like AEC-Q, ISO 26262, and IATF 16949.

Key Differences

Li Fenggang outlined three critical distinctions between consumer and automotive-grade chips:

Operating Environment: Consumer chips, designed for stable indoor settings like smartphones, operate within 0°C to 70°C. Automotive chips withstand extreme conditions, from -40°C to 150°C, resisting corrosion, dust, and vibrations.

Lifespan: Consumer electronics have a 3-5 year lifespan, while cars require chips to last 10-15 years with consistent supply across batches, validated through multi-batch AEC-Q testing.

Safety Margin: Consumer chips tolerate a defect rate of up to 500 PPM, whereas automotive chips demand below 1 PPM, as failures in vehicles can have severe safety implications.

Expert Insights

Professor Zhu Xichan from Tongji University noted that cars use around 1,000 chips. Safety-critical components require AEC-Q100 and ISO 26262 certifications, but non-safety-critical parts, like infotainment, need only AEC-Q100 environmental tests. 

Xiaomi confirmed its YU7 cockpit core board passed AEC-Q104, a system-level standard for multi-chip modules, ensuring reliability despite using a consumer-grade chip.

The Xiaomi YU7 isn’t the first to use consumer-grade chips; Tesla faced recalls a decade ago due to overheating issues with similar components. 

This issue is specific to China as of now. But with India aiming for increased EV adoption, the debate underscores the need for solid standards to ensure vehicle safety and durability.

Also read: Timeline of Tesla’s Entry Into India: Key Milestones and Management Shifts