Tesla's Full Self-Driving Technology to Launch in China and Europe in Early 2025

Tesla's FSD Rollout Announcement

Tesla saw a surge in its shares this week following an announcement by Tesla AI, a subsidiary of Tesla. The company disclosed on X that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) advanced driver assistance software is set to be introduced in China and Europe in the first quarter of 2025. Tesla AI attributed the planned FSD rollouts in these regions to "popular demand" and mentioned that regulatory approval would be required before the over-the-air update could be pushed in both areas. This update would allow drivers to activate the advanced driver assistance software.

CEO Elon Musk's Statements

In July, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, expressed optimism that FSD regulatory approval for both regions could be secured by the end of the year. He further stated on Thursday that FSD could be launched in right-hand drive markets in the first half of the upcoming year, depending on regulatory approval.

Tesla's Green Light in China

In April, Tesla received approval from Beijing to roll out FSD and collaborate with Chinese tech giant Baidu for mapping and navigation software. Tesla has met multiple data security and privacy requirements to operate in the world's largest EV market. This approval came shortly after Musk made an unexpected visit to Beijing and met with Premier Li Qiang, who was the Communist Party chief in Shanghai when Tesla was establishing its car manufacturing plant there.

Analyst's View on Tesla's Move

Wedbush Securities senior analyst Dan Ives, in an interview with Bloomberg TV in April, described Musk's visit to China as a significant "watershed moment." He suggested that this could pave the way for FSD in China, which he sees as a golden opportunity for Tesla. Bloomberg reported at the time that Musk's initiative to seek FSD approval in China was an effort to counter Tesla's revenue decline.

Tesla AI's Near-Term Rollout Roadmap

Tesla AI also shared a roadmap for imminent rollouts, which includes a series of updates and features set to be released in September and October 2024. These include v12.5.2 with approximately 3x improved miles between necessary interventions, v12.5.2 on AI3 computer, Smart Summon, Cybertruck Autopark, eye-tracking with sunglasses, end-to-end network on the highway, and Cybertruck FSD.

Unveiling of Tesla Robotaxi

The long-anticipated Tesla robotaxi is scheduled to be unveiled on October 10 at the Warner Bros. Discovery movie studio in Burbank, California.

Bottom Line

As Tesla prepares to roll out its Full Self-Driving technology in China and Europe, it's clear that the company is making significant strides in the realm of autonomous driving. Regulatory approval remains a key factor in the successful implementation of this technology. What are your thoughts on Tesla's upcoming FSD rollout? Do you think it will revolutionize the driving experience in these regions? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which arrives in your inbox every day at 6pm.