Cars That Learn: Intel's Chip Makes Vehicles Upgradeable

Intel's modular chip empowers cars to evolve like smartphones, boosting safety, flexibility, and over-the-air upgrades.

26 Apr 2025

Intel has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered chip aimed at accelerating the shift to software-defined vehicles, positioning cars to evolve more like smartphones. The processor, introduced in April, is designed to give automakers greater flexibility while reducing costs and development time.

The new chip uses a modular architecture that allows manufacturers to scale computing power across different models, from luxury electric cars to utility trucks. By decoupling software from hardware, Intel says the platform can streamline production and extend the lifecycle of vehicles.

The company has formed partnerships with Chinese automotive technology firms ModelBest and Black Sesame Technologies to integrate AI functions into the system. These include driver-assistance tools, personalised dashboards and connected infotainment.

“Think of this as a living, learning platform,” said Jack Weast, vice-president of Intel Automotive. “We’re enabling vehicles to improve continuously, with new features, enhanced security, and performance updates delivered long after the initial sale.”

A central feature is its over-the-air update capability, which enables carmakers to send software patches or new functions remotely, bypassing the need for dealership visits. Automakers see this as a way to increase safety and customer engagement while creating new revenue opportunities.

Widespread adoption, however, may require significant re-engineering of existing vehicle architectures. Analysts also point to the challenge of adapting semiconductor supply chains to support the advanced processors at scale.

Intel’s push reflects broader industry efforts to make cars more adaptable to rapid cycles of digital innovation. With automakers competing to offer upgradeable vehicles, the company’s entry signals an intensifying race to supply the computing core of future mobility.