Tesla has announced a new partnership with Chinese tech giant Baidu to enhance its self-driving technology in China. Following criticism from customers regarding a recent software update, Tesla is working with Baidu to integrate detailed navigation data into its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Version 13 software.
Engineers from Baidu’s mapping team have been sent to Tesla’s Beijing office to collaborate on improving the integration of lane markings and traffic light signals into Tesla’s self-driving system. The goal is to enhance the system’s understanding and navigation capabilities on Chinese roads.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time for Tesla in China, where strict regulations limit the use of data for training AI systems. Unlike in the U.S., where Tesla’s AI can learn from data collected by vehicles on the road, China’s data laws restrict the transfer of data abroad. This has hindered the development of Tesla’s FSD system in China, leading to frustration among drivers.
Tesla’s FSD system is designed to navigate complex traffic conditions using advanced AI. However, the latest update in China, released in February, fell short of expectations. Drivers reported issues such as lane switching errors and missed red lights, attributed to the software’s limited knowledge of Chinese roads.
Baidu, which has been providing navigation maps to Tesla since 2020, is expected to address these issues by supplying more detailed and up-to-date map data. This collaboration aims to improve the performance of Tesla’s self-driving system in China and enhance the overall driving experience for customers.
In China, local competitors like BYD and Xpeng offer similar driver-assistance systems at no additional cost, unlike Tesla, which charges a fee for its FSD system. However, the features offered by Tesla are more advanced compared to its competitors in China.
Overall, the partnership between Tesla and Baidu signifies a step forward in improving self-driving technology in China and addressing the challenges faced by Tesla in the region. By leveraging Baidu’s expertise in mapping and navigation data, Tesla aims to enhance the performance and reliability of its FSD system for Chinese drivers.