Tesla just revved up its game in the Chinese mainland with a limited release of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) features—but it’s playing catch-up against local EV giants like BYD and Xiaomi. The update adds city navigation, automatic lane changes, and traffic light detection, though drivers still need to keep their hands (and eyes) ready to take over.
Why It’s Limited
According to insiders, Tesla’s FSD still needs more “training” on China’s chaotic roads. Think of it like a newbie driver navigating Shanghai’s rush hour—AI needs practice too! Meanwhile, rivals like Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan and BYD’s God’s Eye system are already offering similar tech for free, putting pressure on Tesla’s $9,000 FSD upgrade.
China’s Smart Driving Boom
Homegrown brands aren’t just copying Tesla—they’re innovating. Companies like Geely and Leapmotor are integrating DeepSeek’s AI models to boost voice commands, obstacle detection, and even in-car meme generation (yes, really). BYD’s budget-friendly EVs now pack advanced autonomous features at half Tesla’s starting price, proving that affordability and tech can coexist.
What’s Next for Tesla?
Elon Musk wants full FSD approval in China, but regulatory hurdles and fierce competition mean the road ahead is bumpy. For now, Tesla’s Autopilot remains a Level-2 system—smart enough to assist, but not to replace human drivers.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
The update adds city navigation, automatic lane changes, and traffic light detection, though drivers still need to keep their hands (and eyes) ready to take over.
Meanwhile, rivals like Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan and BYD’s God’s Eye system are already offering similar tech for free, putting pressure on Tesla’s $9,000 FSD upgrade.
BYD’s budget-friendly EVs now pack advanced autonomous features at half Tesla’s starting price, proving that affordability and tech can coexist.
