Tesla is finding a way to train its Full Self-Driving (FSD) algorithm for China by utilizing publicly available videos of Chinese roads and signs on the internet. CEO Elon Musk revealed this strategy in response to a post about FSD’s performance in China on his social media platform, X.
The company recently rolled out a software update in China, version 2024.45.32.12, which introduces advanced smart driving features similar to FSD in the US. This update enhances the existing Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) feature, allowing the vehicle to navigate off ramps and intersections based on the navigation route and recognize traffic signals for various maneuvers.
Following the software update, numerous automotive bloggers shared their experiences with the new features on social media platforms in China. The reception has been mixed, highlighting the importance of training algorithms with local data to improve autonomous driving experiences.
However, Tesla faces a challenge in China due to restrictions on data leaving the country and the US government’s chip ban preventing the establishment of large-scale computing centers. To address this issue, Tesla sent engineers from its US headquarters to China to deploy and optimize algorithms for a mature version of FSD locally.
The engineers are working to enhance FSD’s performance in China without transferring data outside the country. The training data for algorithm optimization is sourced from Tesla’s engineering vehicles that have been operating on specific roads in China since last year.
All Tesla vehicles in China come equipped with free Basic Autopilot (BAP) software, allowing autonomous driving in designated lanes. Additionally, customers have the option to purchase the FSD software package for a one-time fee, with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) also available at a reduced price.
This strategic approach aims to customize autonomous driving capabilities for the Chinese market, ensuring a seamless and efficient driving experience for Tesla owners in the region. As Tesla continues to innovate in the EV space, the integration of FSD-like features in China signifies a significant step towards enhancing the future of smart driving technology.
