AI Chip Rush Triggers Auto Memory Shortage, Potentially Adding $420 to Smart Car Costs

In early 2026, the automotive industry is facing another "chip shortage" crisis—but this time, the spotlight is on memory chips. Fueled by surging demand from AI data centers, global DRAM and NAND Flash production capacity is rapidly shifting toward high-margin AI applications. As a result, the automotive sector—due to its relatively small market share, complex certification requirements, and lower profitability—has been pushed down the priority list for chip supply. Spot prices for automotive-grade DDR4/DDR5 memory have skyrocketed to 8–16 times their 2024 average levels. For mid- to high-end intelligent vehicles, the per-unit cost of memory chips has surged to $90–$220, exceeding $500 in premium models. DRAM alone now adds RMB 800–1,500 to the bill of materials for mainstream vehicles and over RMB 2,000 for high-end models. When combined with rising NAND prices, total memory-related costs per vehicle have increased by RMB 800–3,000. More critically, supply uncertainty is directly disrupting vehicle production scheduling and delivery timelines. In the short term, automakers are responding by raising prices to secure orders and diversifying suppliers. Over the longer term, they must fundamentally restructure their electronic architectures and improve software efficiency. This upheaval also presents a strategic opportunity for domestic Chinese memory manufacturers such as YMTC and GigaDevice.