Photo: Tesla
Tesla has been rumored to be preparing FSD Beta deployment in China on several occasions this year, without it happening. Now, it's finally happening, as Tesla China officially confirmed to a local media outlet. Earlier this week, Tesla "slipped" the Full Self-Driving chapter in the owner's manuals, another indication that plans are underway.
Although most people consider Tesla an automotive company, the EV maker aims much higher. Elon Musk repeatedly stated that electric vehicles are no longer critical and that Tesla would go bust if it didn't solve vehicle autonomy. This shows how vital Tesla's Full Self-Driving development is for Elon Musk and Tesla.
Announced as a fait accompli by Elon Musk for many years, the Tesla Full Self-Driving remains in a forever Beta state, or so it seems. When the 11th iteration of the software launched a year ago, everyone (including Musk) dreamt that it would solve autonomy, with a commercial release almost certain "by the end of the year." After several point releases, it became clear even for Musk that FSD Beta needed more time and polishing.
Earlier this year, Musk announced that FSD V12 would not be Beta anymore, as the "end-to-end AI" version will become safer than human drivers. What Musk didn't tell was how long it would take for the FSD V12 to arrive. Work is underway to make it at least suitable for restricted beta testing on public roads, although no deadline has been submitted. In the meantime, FSD Beta V11 development has almost stagnated, with few notable improvements in everyday city traffic.
Besides pushing FSD Beta development in the US and Canada, Tesla hopes to start public tests in other regions, notably Europe and China. Earlier this week, Tesla changed its owner's manuals outside North America to include an important section about Full Self Driving (Beta). This raised everyone's hopes that Tesla FSD was finally rolling out worldwide. Alas, it was not, as Tesla removed the FSD section as soon as people started talking about the move.
This April, the rumors got a significant boost after Chinese media claimed Tesla would start testing FSD Beta in China. Tesla later dismissed the claims, although this didn't convince many people, especially as Tesla did it in the past without meaning it. However, it was clear that Chinese authorities were warming up to allowing Tesla to test FSD Beta. Tesla also did its part by establishing data centers in China to comply with local rules and regulations.
That's why we're not surprised that Tesla finally confirmed the preparations for the FSD Beta rollout "are currently underway" in China. The information was offered to the local news outlet China Fund News. Admitting that FSD Beta is ready to roll out in China is a significant change, considering how conservative Tesla China has been so far on this matter.
Although unconfirmed, other rumors indicate that Tesla might start to roll out FSD Beta gradually in December. If this proves true, we could see Tesla establishing an important revenue stream from FSD Beta activations in China. Tesla has a significant user base in the country, and many owners are eager to test Tesla's self-driving software.
Announced as a fait accompli by Elon Musk for many years, the Tesla Full Self-Driving remains in a forever Beta state, or so it seems. When the 11th iteration of the software launched a year ago, everyone (including Musk) dreamt that it would solve autonomy, with a commercial release almost certain "by the end of the year." After several point releases, it became clear even for Musk that FSD Beta needed more time and polishing.
Earlier this year, Musk announced that FSD V12 would not be Beta anymore, as the "end-to-end AI" version will become safer than human drivers. What Musk didn't tell was how long it would take for the FSD V12 to arrive. Work is underway to make it at least suitable for restricted beta testing on public roads, although no deadline has been submitted. In the meantime, FSD Beta V11 development has almost stagnated, with few notable improvements in everyday city traffic.
Besides pushing FSD Beta development in the US and Canada, Tesla hopes to start public tests in other regions, notably Europe and China. Earlier this week, Tesla changed its owner's manuals outside North America to include an important section about Full Self Driving (Beta). This raised everyone's hopes that Tesla FSD was finally rolling out worldwide. Alas, it was not, as Tesla removed the FSD section as soon as people started talking about the move.
It's official: Tesla will start FSD Beta tests in China
To be fair, Tesla would not be able to start FSD Beta tests in other regions without proper regulatory approval. This has not been achieved yet, although Tesla works with regulators to get the necessary licenses. China, especially, is a sensitive region, considering Tesla's market position. Rumors about an FSD Beta deployment in China have been circulating throughout 2023.This April, the rumors got a significant boost after Chinese media claimed Tesla would start testing FSD Beta in China. Tesla later dismissed the claims, although this didn't convince many people, especially as Tesla did it in the past without meaning it. However, it was clear that Chinese authorities were warming up to allowing Tesla to test FSD Beta. Tesla also did its part by establishing data centers in China to comply with local rules and regulations.
That's why we're not surprised that Tesla finally confirmed the preparations for the FSD Beta rollout "are currently underway" in China. The information was offered to the local news outlet China Fund News. Admitting that FSD Beta is ready to roll out in China is a significant change, considering how conservative Tesla China has been so far on this matter.
Although unconfirmed, other rumors indicate that Tesla might start to roll out FSD Beta gradually in December. If this proves true, we could see Tesla establishing an important revenue stream from FSD Beta activations in China. Tesla has a significant user base in the country, and many owners are eager to test Tesla's self-driving software.
Tesla ???????? officially indicated today the prep work to roll out FSD Beta is “currently underway” in response to reporter’s inquiry. Though no specific timeline is given, I’m guessing it’ll be when V12 is ready, probably towards the end of December or early January 2024. pic.twitter.com/KOpIC6wvAr
— Ray (@ray4tesla) November 23, 2023
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