Tag: FSD

  • Tesla Launches FSD in China: Local Data Limits Performance

    Tesla Launches FSD in China: Local Data Limits Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is rolling out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) service in China through an over-the-air update, but it faces limitations due to data restrictions.
    2. The FSD in China is not as advanced as the U.S. version and is marketed as an enhancement to the existing Navigate on Autopilot feature.
    3. Tesla has rebranded the FSD option to “automatic assisted driving kit” and is now priced at $8,000, similar to Level 2 driver-assist systems offered by competitors like BYD for free.
    4. Unique challenges in launching FSD in China include data export restrictions from the U.S. and regulations preventing the transfer of training videos outside China.
    5. Tesla plans to refine the FSD system by using locally gathered data and real-life driving scenarios once U.S. engineers implement a tailored algorithm for China.

    Tesla is rolling out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) service through an over-the-air software update for owners in China who have purchased the feature but couldn’t use it until now.

    FSD Limitations in China

    However, the FSD functionalities in China do not meet expectations, as Tesla encounters restrictions on the data it can utilize for training its algorithms. Currently, the service is not even close to the FSD version 13 that has been launched in the United States. In China, Tesla promotes it as an enhancement to the Navigate on Autopilot feature, which can handle lane changes, navigate ramps, read traffic signals, and make turns in urban areas. Additionally, the cabin camera is now being utilized to monitor if the driver is paying attention to the road.

    New Naming and Pricing Strategy

    Tesla has rebranded the $8,000 option from FSD to “automatic assisted driving kit,” as it primarily serves as a Level 2 driver-assist system similar to what BYD provides for free in its vehicles. This month, Tesla reportedly sent a group of U.S. engineers to implement a China-specific algorithm that incorporates raw data from test Teslas operating in the country since last year, along with various driving videos sourced from the Internet.

    Challenges Ahead

    According to Elon Musk, the launch of FSD in China has been encountering unique challenges. The U.S. government does not permit the export of raw driving data, while Chinese regulations prevent the transfer of training videos outside the country. Musk stated, “We are in a bit of a bind there. So like, bit of a quandary.” To overcome these obstacles, Tesla is analyzing publicly available videos of Chinese streets to enhance their training data and using a simulator for specific scenarios, particularly focusing on the complex bus lanes in China. These lanes have strict regulations, and entering them at the wrong time can lead to instant penalties.

    Future Prospects

    Tesla seems to be gaining confidence in launching at least basic FSD features in China. Once the U.S. engineers deploy the algorithm, the local team will take over, gathering specific data and real-life situations from local roads to refine the system progressively.

    It is still uncertain how many Tesla owners in China will opt to pay the full price for a partially functional FSD, especially when local EV manufacturers like BYD are offering better autonomous features at no extra cost.

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    Tesla Launches FSD in China: Local Data Limits Performance
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  • Tesla Autopilot and FSD: 6x Safer Than Distracted Human Drivers

    Tesla Autopilot and FSD: 6x Safer Than Distracted Human Drivers

    During the last quarterly call with Tesla, Elon Musk announced that the company will launch a fleet of its vehicles featuring the unsupervised FSD function in Austin, Texas, this coming June.

    New Models Coming Soon

    Most of these vehicles are expected to be the 2026 Model Y Juniper and Model 3, equipped with AI4 (Hardware 4.0) systems and an FSD 13 update. This upgrade will enable these cars to navigate city streets autonomously, without the need for a driver onboard. This fleet will serve as the initial test for the paid Robotaxi ride-sharing service, allowing Tesla owners and the two-seat Cybercabs to join the platform in the following year.

    Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

    To gain approval for this unsupervised FSD, which operates without a driver, Tesla must prove that its self-driving technology is safer than human drivers, even in states like Texas where regulations are more relaxed. This might explain why, just before the earnings call, Tesla’s AI team released the latest safety figures for Autopilot and FSD, which Elon Musk presented to investors.

    In the fourth quarter, there was one crash for every 5.94 million miles driven with Autopilot engaged, compared to one crash for every 1.08 million miles when it wasn’t used. In contrast, the most recent data from NHTSA and FHWA shows that in the US, there is an automobile crash roughly every 702,000 miles.

    A Complex Situation

    These statistics don’t differentiate between city and highway driving, and Musk mentioned that the vehicles are eight times safer than human drivers when comparing to NHTSA numbers, rather than the six times safer when using Tesla’s own data. Additionally, he pointed out that current human drivers using FSD must deactivate it to check messages or emails, which creates a frustrating situation for many. “We’re in this odd situation where people turn off autopilot just to check a text, while steering with their knee,” said Musk.

    When asked about the rollout of unsupervised FSD following the Austin pilot in June, Elon mentioned that the US is expected to have it this year, with China and Europe likely following by the end of 2026. He noted that the main challenges in Europe are regulatory, as various bodies meet at set intervals to discuss such features, while in China, geopolitical factors and complicated local driving rules present significant hurdles.

    Tackling Training Challenges

    In China, Tesla faces difficulties due to restrictions on transferring training videos out of the country, while the US government isn’t allowing training to occur in China. To address this, the company is analyzing publicly available videos of Chinese streets to enhance their training materials. They are also developing a simulator to replicate complex scenarios, such as bus lanes, which have strict operating hours. “If you accidentally enter a bus lane at the wrong time, you get an automatic ticket, so it’s a serious issue,” Musk explained.

    While Tesla competes with companies that are introducing their own driver-assist technologies in China, including autonomous battery swapping and existing robotaxis, the unsupervised FSD seems to be poised for success in Europe and the US. However, whether this will lead to the remarkable profits Musk has been forecasting for Tesla and its vehicle owners is still uncertain.

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  • Tesla Launches Driverless 2026 Model Y and Model 3 Ride-Share in Texas

    Tesla Launches Driverless 2026 Model Y and Model 3 Ride-Share in Texas

    When Elon Musk presented at the Cybercab launch event on October 10, he announced that Tesla plans to roll out unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology this year. This is intended to serve as the foundation for a robotaxi ride-share platform.

    Release Timeline for Autonomous Vehicles

    During the Q4 earnings call, Musk provided a timeline for the introduction of driverless Teslas on public roads, referring specifically to the unsupervised FSD. He mentioned that Tesla will deploy a fleet of vehicles, likely including the 2026 Model Y and the updated Model 3 equipped with HW4 technology, in Austin starting in June.

    As he stated, “The Teslas will be out there, all alone in June in Austin… We’ll be starting off slowly, just to make sure everything is alright. Our AI solution is generalized, meaning we don’t need super precise local maps. So we want to be careful. It works beyond Austin, we just want to test the waters safely before going all in.”

    Expansion Plans Across the U.S.

    The robotaxi service, which will utilize Tesla’s own cars, is expected to grow to California and other parts of the U.S. by year-end. Musk shared that once Tesla feels confident about the safety and functionality of its unsupervised FSD and ride-share services, they will open the fleet to Tesla owners in the following year.

    “It’ll be our fleet testing it out first. We’re being cautious and monitoring everything closely. But yes, we will have autonomous ride-hailing for payment in Austin come June. Soon after, we hope to expand to other U.S. cities. I believe we’ll be operating unsupervised with our fleet in multiple cities by the year’s end. Then, probably next year, we’ll allow people to add or remove their cars from our fleet. It’s not like we are inventing something entirely new; we just have to ensure all systems work properly, from car ordering to payments.”

    Initial Launch Locations

    Initially, Tesla indicated it would kick off the unsupervised FSD for the Cybercab service in Texas and California, where regulations on autonomous vehicles are either lenient or already established. It seems they opted for Texas due to a more relaxed regulatory environment.

    In December, Tesla organized a training session for first responders in Austin about handling driverless cars, which hinted at its choice of Texas for the first launch of the robotaxi service.

    The service will begin with Tesla’s own fleet, followed by the addition of private vehicles from owners willing to share them on the platform for durations ranging from a few hours to several months in 2026. Ultimately, the Cybercab, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, is also expected to debut around 2026.

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  • Tesla Model Y FSD Camera Cleaning System Demoed in 2025 Refresh

    Tesla Model Y FSD Camera Cleaning System Demoed in 2025 Refresh

    Dirty HW3 or HW4 cameras have long been a frustration for many Tesla drivers using Autopilot, FSD, or parking in tough weather.

    The cameras on Tesla vehicles often face issues like fogging, freezing, or getting covered with dirt, sleet, or snow. This affects all the driver-assist features, leading some drivers to wish Tesla would reconsider their choice to ditch LiDAR in favor of a camera-based Vision system. One Reddit user pointed out:

    “This is a major issue for ALL their vehicles. Autopilot doesn’t function well when the cameras are dirty, and I’ve been saying for years now that they need to implement weather solutions for all the cameras if they want FSD to meet people’s needs. Other manufacturers have added washers to their cameras; why hasn’t Tesla done the same?”

    Addressing the Issue

    Tesla has taken steps to tackle the problem of dirty FSD cameras, but not for the rear camera, which tends to get dirtier than the others. Drivers often found themselves needing to use a camera cleaning kit. The Cybertruck was designed with a cleaning and heating system for the front bumper camera, which was previously a unique feature of Tesla’s first electric pickup.

    Fortunately, this camera washing feature is now being introduced to the Model Y Juniper facelift set to launch in March. Early reviews of the 2025 Model Y have begun testing the front bumper camera washer, and it’s hopeful that the lens will also include a heating element like in the Cybertruck, helping to clear ice or snow during winter without requiring drivers to step outside their Model Y Juniper.

    Future Developments

    Regarding the rear cameras that often gather dirt, Tesla recently announced that they are working on a “comprehensive cleaning solution,” but they haven’t shared any specifics yet.

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  • Robotaxi Tests Shuttle Service with Dummy Steering, Tesla Launches Cybercab Merch

    Robotaxi Tests Shuttle Service with Dummy Steering, Tesla Launches Cybercab Merch

    Tesla is currently conducting tests for its Cybercab ride-share service at its Gigafactory in Texas, where mass production is expected to start in 2026, assuming Elon Musk can navigate the autonomous vehicle regulations effectively by that time.

    Fleet Launch Plans

    To begin, Tesla plans to utilize a fleet of its existing vehicles to provide a driverless shuttle service on the Cybercab platform for employees in Texas and California. This is part of the so-called unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) phase, which requires demonstration that the self-driving technology is safer than human drivers. Elon Musk insists this will all happen within the next three months, aiming to roll out unsupervised FSD by year-end in select cities across these two states.

    Regulatory Challenges

    However, even this stage of the Robotaxi rollout will face significant regulatory hurdles, not to mention the challenges for a fully driverless Cybercab that lacks both steering wheels and pedals. It remains uncertain whether Tesla can meet its self-imposed timeline. Musk’s optimism might be linked to his new role leading a fresh Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he claims will advance federal regulations for autonomous vehicles, benefiting all electric vehicle makers.

    Public Sentiment and Speculation

    Despite this, experts are doubtful about the likelihood of getting approval for any car without steering wheels or pedals on public roads in the near future. This is why a recent drone flight over Giga Texas that captured the Cybercab seemingly driving with what appeared to be a steering wheel generated so much excitement.

    Many hoped Tesla would include a steering wheel at launch to expedite regulatory approval. Others speculated that this could be the much-anticipated Model 2/Q, which was supposed to launch before the Cybercab, and would be built on the same platform.

    Reality Check

    In truth, the supposed steering wheel was probably just an optical illusion, like a shadow of the A-pillar cast on the tinted windshield or a seat belt draped over a passenger dummy. The Cybercab appeared to be dropping off passengers and moving away, which are tests Tesla must conduct for its planned employee shuttle service.

    Even if the object was indeed a steering wheel, it could have been an engineering control device, similar to those used by Tesla to navigate the Cybercab in settings like ramps or showrooms where it frequently appears. When asked how the Cybercab reached its spot at a recent Brussels auto expo, the Tesla team jokingly said “magic” with smiles, and then added, “if there’s a computer inside, anything is possible,” suggesting some manual control could be involved.

    Merchandise for Fans

    Regardless, it seems like the American public will have to wait quite a while before the Cybercab can provide ride-share services through Tesla’s dedicated platform on public streets. In the meantime, Tesla is rolling out special merchandise to keep its fans engaged until the launch.

    The Cybercab is now featured in Tesla’s apparel store, with a black T-shirt showcasing its logo and silhouette on the front, and the Tesla wordmark on the back. The Cybercab Tee is priced at $40 and is said to be inspired by the Cybercab launch event to complement its gold exterior.

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  • Elon Musk’s Government Role Could Speed Up Unsupervised FSD Rollout

    Elon Musk’s Government Role Could Speed Up Unsupervised FSD Rollout

    Elon Musk is gearing up to advocate for national regulations on autonomous vehicles if he secures the position he has been promised within a newly established government efficiency commission.

    During a recent earnings call, the Tesla CEO addressed inquiries regarding his assertion that the company plans to launch unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology next year, although only in two states. Elon hinted at this upcoming FSD rollout when he introduced the driverless Robotaxi, which he stated would be priced below $30,000 by 2026.

    Upcoming FSD Developments

    Before that rollout, however, owners of the Model 3 and Model Y—especially those with HW4—might have the chance to experience real unsupervised self-driving in Texas and California. Tesla’s reasoning for targeting these two states for an unsupervised FSD launch in 2025 is quite distinct.

    Texas was chosen by Tesla due to its more flexible regulatory stance, while California, despite its complex regulations, already has a framework for autonomous vehicle permits through companies like Waymo. As Tesla’s Lars Moravy points out:

    "All of our vehicles currently produced and capable of autonomy comply with all regulations; even the Cybertruck conforms to these rules. Our challenge is not the vehicle itself but the state-level regulations controlling autonomous vehicle deployment. Some states, like Texas, are relatively straightforward. Others, such as California, might require more time. Some haven’t established any regulations yet, so we will navigate this on a state-by-state basis."

    Plans for Expansion

    After launching unsupervised FSD in these initial states, Tesla intends to seek approval in additional states by the close of 2025. According to Tesla, states began exploring these regulations back in 2017, but progress has since "stalled." This means Tesla will have to engage with each individual state to promote the adoption of autonomous vehicles.

    Musk believes that the introduction of unsupervised FSD could happen much quicker if regulations are enacted at the federal level. This is what he plans to focus on if he is appointed to lead the government efficiency role after the elections.

    "There ought to be a national approval system for autonomous vehicles. That’s how the FMVSS operates. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is federal. It’s crucial to have a national approval. The government efficiency department should help facilitate this. And this is for everyone, not just Tesla. In the U.S., some matters, like insurance, are regulated state by state, which is incredibly cumbersome across 50 states. I believe we need a natural approval process for autonomous technologies."

    What Musk means by the department of government efficiency is the federal commission that a new presidential administration might establish.

    Elon has already shown interest in advising this efficiency commission, even if in an unofficial capacity. Transitioning regulations for autonomous vehicles to the federal level could be a key initiative he aims to promote there.

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  • Tesla Rideshare Drivers Use Self-Driving Mode for Safety

    Tesla Rideshare Drivers Use Self-Driving Mode for Safety

    Tesla is set to reveal a fully autonomous Robotaxi and potentially a ride-sharing platform, likely named the Cybercab service, on October 10.

    Current Use of Tesla Vehicles

    Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft drivers have been taking advantage of their Tesla vehicles as makeshift Robotaxis. They enter their destinations and let the cars navigate themselves.

    One unfortunate incident involved a serious crash where the Tesla failed to detect an SUV cutting into its path. The driver intervened only to lessen the impact, resulting in the SUV driver being sent to the hospital.

    Driver Experiences and Concerns

    Reports from ride-share drivers interviewed by Reuters indicate that around 40% are using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature regularly. While some express dissatisfaction with the $99/month service’s inconsistencies, they acknowledge that it significantly reduces the stress of driving in congested urban areas, allowing them to extend their working hours.

    In contrast, some drivers choose not to use FSD when carrying passengers, especially in situations they believe the software struggles with, such as in construction zones or busy airport areas.

    Responsibility and Safety

    When questioned about these practices, Uber and Lyft distanced themselves, stating that the responsibility for passenger safety falls solely on the driver. They referenced the Tesla FSD manual, which highlights the necessity for constant supervision of the feature.

    "Drivers must maintain a safe environment for riders, even if their driving methods don’t break any laws," Uber stated, while Lyft added that "drivers agree to avoid reckless behavior." Despite this, both platforms continue to enhance the experience for drivers using FSD.

    Uber has introduced a software update that sends passenger pickup and destination information directly to the Tesla navigation system, simplifying the process for drivers using FSD.

    Regulatory Landscape and Future Expectations

    Tesla’s self-driving feature is not subjected to the same limitations as fully autonomous services like Waymo or Cruise, as it is classified as a Level 2 driver-assist system. This classification allows Uber and Lyft drivers to use it nearly anywhere, provided they supervise it.

    However, some regulation or even a ban on this practice may be on the horizon, as the NHTSA is currently looking into accidents involving FSD.

    For the time being, many Uber and Lyft drivers are looking forward to Tesla’s announcements during the Robotaxi event on October 10, eagerly anticipating that FSD 13 will further simplify their work.

    You can find the Tesla Universal Wall Connector EV Charger with Dual Plug on Amazon.

    Source: Reuters, Project Robotaxi (YT)

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