Chinese web services giant Baidu has just teased a new video showcasing the in-car navigation system it plans to offer Tesla electric cars in China for its imminent Full Self-Driving (FSD) rollout.
Tesla to integrate Baidu maps in China
Tesla China has started offering two mapping options for its electric vehicles in the world’s largest auto market, according to a new video released by Baidu and shared by Tesla fan @Tslachan on X.
Baidu’s Maps V20 will now complement Tesla’s existing navigation system by simply tapping the 3D letters on the screen.
As you can see in the video, Baidu’s Maps V20 offers a more precise 3D mapping service than the Musk-led company’s 2D support map. It accurately recognizes Chinese road traffic lights and can also estimate the number of seconds remaining on green lights.
Tesla included the new Maps V20 in the software update version 2024.14.x, as revealed in the video.
Partnership aids Tesla’s FSD ambition in China
In hindsight, Tesla initially confirmed plans to integrate Baidu Maps in April 2024 to improve mapping and navigation features in China.
This new partnership seeks to offer industry-leading advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) capabilities in Tesla EVs through Baidu’s lane-level navigation and mapping technology.
For context, Baidu is one of the few authorized map suppliers capable of supporting autonomous driving features.
Tesla push for FSD approval in China
Tesla has been working to register its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software with China’s government officials.
With approval, Tesla can potentially offer the FSD suite as a monthly subscription to Chinese owners.
It aligns with Tesla’s FSD availability in the US, where owners can choose between an $8,000 outright price and a $99 monthly subscription.
The green light from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology would enable the Musk-led automaker to internally test the FSD suite on public roads before rolling it out to a wider customer pool.
As of today, Tesla bills Chinese customers 64,000 yuan ($8,828.32) for FSD access. It is reportedly considering offering it for a monthly subscription fee of about $98. Tesla is also exploring the prospect of licensing the software to other automakers in the country.
Tesla’s FSD seeks to dominate the autonomous driving space with its end-to-end neural network and data collection from millions of electric vehicles on the road.
In a significant advancement, Tesla is also set to finally reveal its Robotaxi on August 8, 2024. The Robotaxi is a crucial part of CEO Elon Musk’s efforts to advance autonomous driving and generate a new revenue stream for Tesla.
