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. 🛠️
With input from Reuters
Reference(s):
cgtn.com