Tesla has announced a temporary halt to the trial of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in China as it awaits regulatory approval. The electric vehicle (EV) giant had initially planned a limited-time free trial of the service between March 17 and April 16 but faced unforeseen delays due to compliance requirements.
Tesla’s customer support team addressed the issue on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, stating, “All parties are actively advancing the relevant process, and we will push it to you as soon as it is ready. We are also looking forward to it, please wait patiently.”
The delay comes amid evolving regulatory scrutiny in China over autonomous driving technology. In late February, China’s industry ministry introduced new regulations mandating that over-the-air software updates related to self-driving capabilities be subject to regulatory approval. This move aligns with the country’s broader strategy to maintain stringent oversight over data security and AI-driven transportation systems.
Tesla’s FSD system, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, uses generative artificial intelligence to navigate complex traffic environments. However, unlike in the United States—where the system can function without reliance on up-to-date navigation maps—Tesla’s Chinese operations face unique challenges. The company is unable to train the system using real-time data from its 2 million EVs in China due to the country’s strict data protection laws.
To address these hurdles, Tesla is working with Chinese tech giant Baidu to enhance the FSD system’s performance and ensure compliance with local regulations. Reuters previously reported that Tesla aims for a full rollout of the FSD software in China this year, pending the necessary approvals.
China remains a crucial market for Tesla, with its Shanghai Gigafactory playing a significant role in the company’s global production and sales strategy. However, regulatory challenges, including the government’s cautious approach toward autonomous driving technology, highlight the complexities foreign automakers face in deploying AI-powered solutions in the country.
As Tesla navigates the approval process, industry experts suggest that collaborations with local firms and adherence to China’s evolving regulatory landscape will be key to securing a future for FSD technology in the world’s largest EV market.
