After Tesla Model 3 and Model Y owners in the United States were surprised to find the lack of USB-C ports in their new vehicle deliveries, due to the ongoing chip shortage, the electric automaker confirmed they are also suffering the same problem in China.
According to the South China Morning Post, Tesla confirmed to customers it has been shipping Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with limited USB port functionality from Gigafactory Shanghai, since November 6.
The USB-C ports located in the front centre consoles can only charge, and not be used for data transfers, when previously both features were available. This means those seeking to plug in a USB stick for media won’t be able to do so.
Despite Tesla suffering from the chip shortage in China, local automakers NIO, Xpeng and LiAuto have yet to detail any impacts from the chip shortage, suggesting a local advantage.
David Zhang, an automotive researcher from North China University of Technology, says it’s unlikely Chinese automakers will be affected like Tesla, as these local companies can find other alternatives.
“Multiple suppliers making chip components [are] required for the USB ports, but Tesla might have higher requirements for the ones installed on the Model 3 and Model Y,” said Zhang to the SCMP. “For smaller chips installed on the USB ports, there won’t be huge differences in performance and costs to find an alternative in China.”
China is the biggest importer of semiconductors worldwide, purchasing $38 billion US worth as of June, a staggering amount spent, over double of what the nation spent on crude oil.
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows the worldwide inventory of electric cars increased by 40% to 10 million units in 2020, but the entire automotive sector saw a 15% decline due to COVID-19. But in the first three quarters of 2021, auto sales surged close to 50%.
