Tesla has launched advanced autonomous driving features in China, allowing vehicles to navigate urban streets with autopilot. This update, part of its Full Self-Driving system, will initially be available for select models. The move comes as Tesla competes with local electric vehicle companies like BYD, which is also advancing its own autonomous technologies. Despite regulatory challenges, Tesla, led by Elon Musk, continues to navigate the Chinese market, emphasizing compliance with local data laws.
Tesla Introduces Advanced Autonomous Driving Features in China
The renowned American electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla, has officially launched advanced autonomous driving capabilities for its vehicles in China, including the ability to navigate city streets with autopilot. This exciting development, announced on Tuesday, follows years of efforts by Tesla to navigate regulatory challenges within the world’s largest automotive market.
In a detailed statement, Tesla revealed that it will gradually implement a software update that introduces “autonomous driving assistance via Autopilot on urban roads,” along with a new feature in the rearview mirror that monitors driver attentiveness.
Competition and Regulatory Challenges
These newly introduced features align closely with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system available in the United States. However, it’s important to note that vehicles equipped with these functionalities are not fully autonomous and still require driver supervision. Tesla indicated that this update will first be available for select car models, with plans for it to expand to additional compatible models over time.
China represents a crucial market for Tesla, which operates two manufacturing plants there and is actively competing against rapidly growing local electric vehicle companies. BYD, Tesla’s primary competitor in the region, has recently announced plans to implement advanced autonomous driving technology across nearly its entire lineup. In addition, Tesla is seeking approval from Chinese regulators for its FSD system, ensuring compliance with local data protection and privacy regulations.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has made several trips to China to secure the necessary data security approvals for vehicles produced domestically. Despite facing geopolitical tensions, Musk remains a celebrated figure in China, boasting nearly 2.3 million followers on the popular social platform Weibo. His mother, Maye Musk, has also featured in advertisements for various Chinese brands.
Chinese tech companies and automotive manufacturers are heavily investing billions in autonomous driving technology to keep pace with American industry leaders. While fully autonomous vehicles remain unavailable for purchase by Chinese consumers, several autonomous taxi services have already been authorized in key cities. In Wuhan, for example, over 500 driverless taxis operate within extensive urban areas as part of Baidu’s Apollo Go project.
BYD’s advanced driving system, named “God’s Eye,” now offers features like remote parking and autonomous highway navigation, once exclusive to premium models. Recently, the company announced that this innovative system will also be available on more affordable models, including the Seagull, priced from 69,800 yuan (approximately 9,180 euros).