FYI: Tesla’s recent UI update hints at an imminent release of the Full Self-Driving suite in China, with a blacked-out button revealing its potential arrival.
Tesla’s User Interface Hints at Impending Full Self-Driving Suite in China
New indications have surfaced within Tesla’s user interface, hinting at the potential release of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite in China. Recent images from Tesla vehicles in the region have revealed a new, yet currently inaccessible button labeled “Fully Automated Driving Capability (Driver Supervised Version).”
Advancing Towards Full Self-Driving in China
These subtle yet significant updates imply that Tesla is progressing steadily with its plans to introduce the Full Self-Driving suite in China. Enthusiastic observers noted this development, as seen in a recent tweet highlighting the feature.
"Yeah, #Tesla’s FSD should be here soon in China (FSD driver supervision version)," shared a user on Twitter.
An Ambitious Roadmap Ahead
Tesla disclosed a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap earlier this month, outlining its plans to unveil the Full Self-Driving suite in both China and Europe by Q1 2025. The roadmap includes:
- September 2024:
- v12.5.2 with approximately 3x improved miles between necessary interventions
- v12.5.2 on the AI3 computer, presenting unified models for AI3 and AI4
- The introduction of "Actually Smart Summon"
- Cybertruck Autopark
- Eye-tracking capabilities, even with sunglasses
This revelation marks a significant step forward, especially since Tesla has already begun rolling out advanced Full Self-Driving versions across the United States and other North American markets.
Competitive Landscape in China
China’s autonomous driving market is already highly competitive, with strong players like WeRide, Baidu, and Xpeng having established robust operations. While Tesla’s advanced neural network and substantial data collection efforts offer strong advantages, the company faces intense competition and will need to navigate a demanding regulatory environment.
Strategic Data Center in China
Tesla has plans to leverage a data center within China to advance its self-driving algorithm. This could potentially accelerate the deployment and refinement of its Full Self-Driving features, reinforcing its position amidst growing competition.
Conclusion
Tesla’s recent UI update serves as a subtle yet promising hint that the Full Self-Driving suite is on the horizon for the Chinese market. While regulatory approval remains a hurdle, these developments suggest that Tesla is swiftly moving in the right direction.
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Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
