Tesla starts equipping its Model Y electric SUV with AMD Ryzen instead of Intel CPUs

Deciding between Intel and AMD processors is often tough, not just for gamers who would like to upgrade their gaming PC. It is well known that modern cars also include an abundance of microchips, which is why the auto industry suffers massively under the current semiconductor shortage. However, the American electric car pioneer Tesla nevertheless continues with its shift from Intel to AMD Ryzen CPUs for the production of its EVs (Level 2 smart charger from US$649 on Amazon). Previously, these chips were only found in the much more expensive flagship products, the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X.

Due to the poor availability of these kinds of chips, Tesla's decision does not appear to make immediate sense under the current circumstances. In contrast to Intel, AMD does not have its own production facilities, which is why it has to rely on contractors like the well-known Taiwanese manufacturer TSMC, which also produces products for Apple and many other tech companies. Since the production capacities of most manufacturers are severely limited by supply constraints, AMD Ryzen CPUs are usually more scarcely available than their Intel counterparts. Therefore it is speculated that Tesla's choice to equip the Model Y electric SUV with AMD Ryzen chips is mostly based on their better performance.

This claim is supported by the fact that the AMD Ryzen MCU component has only been found in the Model Y Performance units for the Chinese market thus far. It is likely that someday all Tesla Model Y SUVs will be equipped with AMD Ryzen processors, but it remains unclear when this transition can be fully completed. Most buyers of a new Tesla Model Y outside China will have to live with the slower Intel CPUs in the infotainment system of their new electric SUV for the time being.