Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has taken a significant step towards optimizing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in China by sending engineers from its US headquarters to the country. According to a report by local media outlet LatePost, these engineers are working on deploying a mature version of FSD and optimizing algorithms specifically for the Chinese market.
The move is aimed at maximizing the performance of FSD in China without the need to transfer data outside the country. By leveraging local expertise and data, Tesla hopes to enhance the capabilities of its autonomous driving technology in the Chinese market.
Currently, Tesla China is conducting small-scale tests of FSD among some employees in the Research and Development department. These tests are crucial for fine-tuning the technology and ensuring its compatibility with Chinese road conditions and driving patterns.
The data used for training the algorithms in China is sourced from Tesla’s engineering vehicles that have been collecting data on specific roads in the country since last year. This localized approach to training the FSD algorithms is essential for adapting the technology to the unique challenges and nuances of Chinese roads.
In a recent software update, Tesla introduced high-level smart driving features similar to FSD to eligible vehicles in China. The update optimizes the existing Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) feature, allowing vehicles to navigate off ramps and intersections based on the navigation route and recognize traffic signals for various maneuvers.
While FSD is not yet officially available in China, Tesla offers owners the option to purchase the software for a one-time fee. The company also provides an Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) option at a lower price point for customers looking for advanced driver-assist features.
Tesla aims to launch FSD in China and Europe in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval. The company is currently focused on testing and optimizing the technology for the Chinese market, with plans to expand testing among more employees in the near future.
Overall, Tesla’s efforts to localize and optimize FSD for the Chinese market demonstrate the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge autonomous driving technology tailored to the specific needs of Chinese drivers. With ongoing developments and enhancements, Tesla is poised to set new standards for autonomous driving in China and beyond.
