American electric vehicle giant Tesla is getting closer to its ambition of launching Full Self-Driving (FSD) in China, according to a leaked screenshot of a recent software update.
Software update hints at imminent rollout after government approval
Chinese Tesla content creator Chris Zeng recently shared a screenshot of the Spring Update – 2024.14 on social media platform X, indicating the words “Employee FSD Beta Program: Registered.”
However, he noted that Tesla employees cannot activate any FSD features yet. Moreover, the vehicle indicates several other settings, which seem associated with its involvement in multiple initial beta groups. For instance, the screen shows the words “Employee Wave 11 Plan: Registered,” hinting at the electric automaker’s early software release program for employees.
Tesla leverages employee testing before public release
In hindsight, Tesla ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) testing and verification electric vehicles were spotted on the roads before the Musk-led company initiated a large-scale rollout of the FSD suite in North America. Such activity has not yet emerged in China.
It also remains to be seen whether Tesla would need Tesla ADAS testing and verification vehicles in China.
Nonetheless, once the FSD suites’ features were available to employees, there would likely be more information about their public release in the Chinese market.
Tesla mulls using a Chinese data center for FSD training
Recent reports have also revealed that the Musk-led company plans to utilize a data processing center in China for the planned FSD system training once it hits the Chinese market.
As of today, it remains vague when the American EV giant plans to roll out the FSD suite in China. Considering the disposal of some government barriers, Tesla seems to be getting closer to offering the system to its Chinese owners.
CEO Elon Musk recently met with Chinese government officials, including Premier Li Qiang, in China. The Tesla boss also reportedly secured tentative approval to test its software in the country.
