Tesla Launches FSD in China for 64,000 Yuan After Years of Regulatory Delays
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 21
Tesla Launches FSD in China for 64,000 Yuan After Years of Regulatory Delays
14 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 21
Tesla said Thursday its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system is now available in China, the first time the automaker has publicly confirmed the rollout there.
The launch follows years of regulatory holdups: Musk had targeted approval by late 2024, and Tesla said as recently as April that it was still waiting for clearance.
China buyers had previously been limited to Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot, while Tesla’s website now lists “intelligent assisted driving” for the Model 3 at a one-time fee of 64,000 yuan ($9,409).
The move comes as Chinese rivals including Xiaomi and Xpeng have already expanded in-house driver-assistance systems, and robotaxi groups such as Pony.ai and Baidu’s Apollo Go pushed ahead.
Tesla is entering that market from a weaker position in China’s EV rankings: in April, it placed fourth in wholesale sales behind BYD, Geely and Chery.
Can Tesla's FSD, rebranded for China, outperform the rapidly advancing systems from local rivals like Xpeng?
Is Tesla's China FSD launch a tech triumph or a risky compromise in the US-China AI race?
As Tesla's cars begin to map China, who ultimately controls the sensitive data they collect?
Tesla FSD in China 2026: Regulatory Hurdles, Local Competition, and the Battle for Autonomous Driving Leadership
Overview
As of May 2026, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China is ready for deployment, with the necessary infrastructure and software in place and active recruitment underway. However, the full public rollout is still waiting for final regulatory approval, which is targeted for Q3 2026 but remains uncertain due to China’s unpredictable regulatory processes. This delay puts pressure on Tesla, as local competitors already offer similar advanced driving features. Achieving regulatory clearance is crucial for Tesla to launch FSD widely, maintain its technological edge, and strengthen its position in China’s highly competitive electric vehicle market.