What Does GF & Renesas Chips Deal Mean for EVs & Smart Cars?

The automotive industry is accelerating its transition toward electrification and software-defined vehicles, driving an unprecedented demand for resilient semiconductor supplies.

To address this, GlobalFoundries and Renesas Electronics Corporation have expanded their strategic collaboration through a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing partnership. This deal ensures that Renesas can access advanced chip manufacturing technologies to support the production of essential semiconductors for electric vehicles.

These chips are no longer just for basic processing; they enable sophisticated radar for driver assistance and manage the high-voltage battery systems that are the heart of modern electric transport. First designs are expected to begin production in mid-2026.

Onshoring essential technologies for vehicle safety

The initiative aligns with the objective of onshoring essential chip technologies within the US. While initial production will focus on US facilities, the partnership will later use the global manufacturing network of GlobalFoundries in Singapore and Germany.

This globally distributed footprint provides vehicle manufacturers with the flexibility needed to navigate regional regulatory requirements and supply challenges.

As vehicles become more intelligent, the reliability of these components becomes critical.

The secure connectivity required for the industrial Internet of Things and automotive safety systems demands high-performance semiconductors that can operate effectively under the extreme thermal and electrical conditions found in electric vehicles.

Powering the future of global connectivity

GlobalFoundries is a leading manufacturer of semiconductors for automotive and smart mobile devices, operating across the US, Europe and Asia. It focuses on delivering high-performance products with an emphasis on sustainability and security.

Renesas Electronics Corporation provides complete semiconductor solutions, specialising in microcontrollers and embedded processing for automotive and industrial applications.

By combining analogue and power expertise, Renesas helps accelerate the development of intelligent devices. Currently, GlobalFoundries provides manufacturing services for the world's top three automotive microcontroller makers.

Specialised platforms for electric vehicle tech

Under the expanded deal, Renesas will utilise a range of differentiated technology platforms, including FD-SOI and BCD. These technologies are feature-rich and include non-volatile memory capabilities, which are necessary for the microcontrollers and power devices used in electric vehicle powertrains.

The partnership is also considering the option of porting these process technologies into the in-house fabs of Renesas in Japan. This would further enhance the resilience of the manufacturing process and provide additional capacity to meet the surge in demand.

Semiconductors as the foundation of innovation

“This partnership strengthens a proven relationship and underscores GF’s role as a trusted partner for essential semiconductor technologies,” said Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries.

“The automotive landscape is changing fast. Semiconductors are now the foundation of innovation, powering advanced driver assistance, battery management and secure connectivity.

"These systems demand performance and efficiency under extreme conditions and GF’s differentiated platforms are built for that. We’re focused on delivering what matters most: reliable supply and the technologies that enable the vehicles of tomorrow."

Delivering quality for AI and electrification

“Access to a broader range of GF technologies gives us the flexibility and supply assurance our customers need,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO of Renesas.

“This expanded partnership enables a stable, long-term supply of semiconductors while ensuring the highest quality and reliability for our products. These capabilities are essential as we deliver advanced solutions, with demand for electrification and connectivity – and the rapidly growing compute requirements driven by AI applications – accelerating worldwide."