Tesla is utilizing publicly available videos of Chinese roads and traffic signs to train its Full Self-Driving (FSD) algorithm, as the company navigates data restrictions in China, CEO Elon Musk said.
Musk made the statement on X, the social media platform he owns, in response to a discussion about the performance of Tesla’s smart driving features in China.
See also: Tesla Deploys U.S. Engineers to China for FSD Development, Advances Local Algorithm Optimization
Tesla began rolling out software update version 2024.45.32.12 to eligible vehicles in China, introducing advanced driver-assistance capabilities similar to FSD in the United States. However, the update avoids direct references to FSD. The update enhances the Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) feature, enabling vehicles to navigate ramps, intersections, and traffic signals for various maneuvers, Tesla said in an update log.
We just used publicly available video on the Internet of roads and signs in China and used that to train in sim
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 25, 2025
The rollout comes as Tesla works to refine its autonomous driving technology within the constraints of China’s data regulations, which prohibit transferring driving data abroad. Additionally, U.S. chip export restrictions limit Tesla’s ability to establish large-scale computing centers in China.
See also: Tesla Rolls Out Advanced Assisted Driving Features in China, Avoiding FSD Label
To address these challenges, Tesla sent engineers from its U.S. headquarters to China in February to deploy and optimize algorithms for a localized version of FSD, according to a report by LatePost. The engineers’ work aims to improve performance without transferring data outside China. “After the U.S. engineers complete their work, Tesla’s China team will take over to finalize optimization for local road conditions,” the report stated.
Tesla vehicles in China come standard with Basic Autopilot (BAP), which enables lane-keeping, acceleration, and braking. Customers can purchase the FSD package for RMB 64,000 ($8,810), while the Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) option is available at half that price.
See also: Baidu Considers Utilizing Tesla’s FSD Technology in China
