Tesla is gearing up to register its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software with Chinese authorities ahead of its planned launch later this year, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Once the software is registered with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Tesla will conduct internal testing of FSD on public roads in China, with plans to offer it as an upgrade to Chinese customers in the coming months. The company is also considering a monthly subscription model for the software, priced at approximately $98, in addition to the current one-time fee of RMB 64,000 yuan ($8,840) offered to car owners.
See also: Tesla Rolls Out Vision-Based Attention Monitoring in Latest FSD Update
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence in the latest version of FSD, known as V12, as a step toward delivering fully autonomous driving systems. The move to sell FSD in China is seen as a strategy to generate additional revenue for Tesla, which faced a 7.6 percent decline in sales in China during the first four months of the year amid increasing competition from Chinese EV makers.
In China, Tesla vehicles come standard with free Basic Autopilot (BAP) software, with the option to purchase Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and FSD as upgrades. While customers in the US can purchase FSD outright for $8,000 or opt for a monthly subscription at $99, a subscription option for FSD is not yet available in China.
See also: Tesla’s Upcoming FSD Update Set to Deliver 5 to 10 Times Improvement in Miles Per Intervention
Tesla also offers EAP at a reduced price in China and occasionally allows owners to experience it for free during promotional periods. The company recently introduced a subscription option for EAP in China, priced at RMB 699 per month or RMB 1,399 per quarter.
Musk’s recent visit to China was reportedly aimed at seeking approval for FSD to help offset Tesla’s revenue decline in the region. The move underscores Tesla’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese market and capitalizing on the growing demand for electric vehicles and advanced autonomous driving technology.
