Tesla is actively preparing for the introduction of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in China, but a definitive launch date has not yet been established. The company’s progress was detailed by Tesla China Vice President Grace Tao in recent remarks to local media.
Infrastructure Development Underway
Grace Tao confirmed that Tesla has established a dedicated local training center in China. This facility is crucial for adapting the FSD system to the unique driving conditions prevalent in the country. “We have set up a local training center in China specifically to handle this adaptation,” Tao stated. She further expressed confidence that the FSD system, once released, would perform at a level comparable to, if not exceeding, local drivers.
The executive also highlighted the significant accumulation of data by Tesla’s FSD technology. Globally, the system has now logged over 7.5 billion miles of real-world driving data, contributing to its ongoing refinement.
Potential Timeline and Global Context
Tao’s comments align with previous statements from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who had suggested that regulatory approval for FSD in China could potentially occur in 2026. Musk had previously indicated that FSD had received “partial approval” in China, with full authorization potentially arriving around February or March 2026. He also mentioned this possibility at the World Economic Forum in Davos, noting February as an early potential timeframe for approval.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s latest FSD software, version 14, is undergoing advanced testing in the United States. The company has also commenced the rollout of its unsupervised Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, where vehicles are operating without safety monitors.
