Tesla has begun offering two distinct mapping options for its vehicles in China, according to a video shared by Baidu.
The existing Tesla support map is now complemented by the Baidu map V20, accessible by touching the 3D letters on the screen. Baidu Maps provides a detailed 3D mapping experience compared to Tesla’s 2D support map and is included in the software update version 2024.14.x. This was based on a video teased online by Baidu.
You can see how Baidu’s V20 maps will recognize Chinese road traffic lights and even details how many seconds are left on green lights. Check out the video below (via @Tslachan).
$TSLA 🇨🇳
NEWS: Baidu released a video related to the map that it will provide to Tesla.Baidu said it first conducted testing to repay everyone's wait, and now release actual road testing videos.
The update will start soon. pic.twitter.com/jDsGpQZqdS
— Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) June 3, 2024
Tesla’s integration of Baidu Maps follows its earlier announcement in April 2024 about a partnership with Baidu to enhance mapping and navigation features in China. This collaboration aims to introduce advanced assisted driving capabilities, leveraging Baidu’s lane-level navigation and mapping technology. Baidu is one of the few certified suppliers capable of supporting autonomous driving functions.
Tesla is preparing to register its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software with Chinese authorities, potentially offering it as a monthly subscription to Chinese users. This follows the company’s practice in the United States, where FSD is available for $8,000 or a $99 monthly subscription. A successful registration with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology would allow Tesla to internally test FSD on public roads before offering it to customers.
Currently, Tesla charges a one-time fee of 64,000 yuan ($8,828.32) for FSD access in China, with a possible monthly subscription fee of around $98 being considered. The company is also exploring the possibility of licensing FSD to other automakers in China.
Tesla’s push to roll out FSD in China could pressure local EV startups to accelerate their own research and development efforts. Companies like Huawei and Xpeng already offer level-two autonomous driving capabilities in China, often at no additional cost. Tesla’s FSD aims to surpass these systems, utilizing an end-to-end neural network and data collected from millions of its EVs. Version 12 of FSD has been a huge upgrade compared to Version 11.
Tesla plans to unveil its Robotaxi on August 8, coinciding with the birthday of Elon Musk’s triplet sons. This date is considered lucky in Asian cultures, including China. The Robotaxi launch is part of Musk’s vision to advance autonomous driving and create new revenue streams for Tesla.
Let’s wait and see for the expanded rollout of 2024.14.x as we will see more details on this Baidu integration.
