Tesla clears another hurdle to launching full self-driving in China

Tesla has partnered with a Chinese tech giant, Baidu, to upgrade its mapping software for its full-self driving (FSD) technology in China. Baidu will provide lane-level navigation services to enhance safety by offering detailed information and making lane recommendations. This partnership helps Tesla overcome a hurdle in securing government approval for its FSD software rollout. Previously, Baidu had been providing mapping services limited to “road-level” information, but this upgrade will provide lane-level guidance, improving Tesla’s navigation capabilities. The partnership also allows Tesla to meet Chinese regulations for operating self-driving systems on public roads by utilizing Baidu’s mapping qualifications. This collaboration may accelerate the development of Tesla’s self-driving technology worldwide by leveraging data from China. The introduction of the FSD system could potentially boost Tesla’s revenue in China, where it has faced challenges due to slowing demand and increased competition.