Tesla Set To Launch Its Full Self-Driving Technology In China

Reports say Tesla is attempting to register its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) sophisticated driver assistance software with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This initial phase may result in staff testing of the system before its ultimate release to consumers in Tesla’s second-largest worldwide market.

The announcement follows Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s visit to China last month, during which the company negotiated a contract to gather mapping data and government officials removed limitations on using Tesla vehicles. As of right now, FSD in the US costs $99 per month, or $8,000 for a one-time activation. Sources suggest that FSD may have a comparable monthly subscription cost in China. Chinese automakers like BYD, Nio, and Xpeng, which now provide cutting-edge driver-assistance technologies nationwide, will also compete with it.

A less sophisticated version of the Tesla FSD system is currently available in China. It is comparable to the company’s Autopilot system, which can help with steering but cannot automatically navigate city streets. A NHTSA investigation from April in the US connected Autopilot and FSD to hundreds of crashes and dozens of fatalities.

Additionally, Tesla has not yet introduced FSD in Europe. As we stated in 2022, “Tesla must convincingly demonstrate that cars with FSD are at least as safe as those without it to obtain that approval.” It hasn’t, at least not yet.