Tesla has launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) system for Chinese markets through the current version 2024.45.32.12 software update. The deployment of advanced driver assistance technology represents a major success milestone that enables Tesla to penetrate into one of the world’s most complex driving environments. The Chinese version of the system provides capabilities that match those of its North American version but only functions on city streets and controlled roads at present.
What is FSD (Supervised)?
FSD (Supervised) is Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system that enables vehicles with the ability to drive streets and highways together with highways and intersections without requiring constant driver engagement. A driver using FSD (Supervised) must stay alert to respond at any moment. Although the vehicle operates independently, the FSD (Supervised) system demands periodic monitoring from drivers for safety assurance.
First official release notes for FSD (Supervised) in China! https://t.co/xgH4jIea99 pic.twitter.com/dr14YMIfM5
— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) February 25, 2025
The official release notes from Tesla regarding FSD (Supervised) in China show how the system operates:
The operating range covers both roads that require entry and exit through ramps and standard urban settings.
The system follows specified navigation routes that direct the vehicle through ramps and intersections automatically.
The system detects traffic controllers through its recognition system and performs automated responses for going straight in addition to turning left or right and conducting U-turns.
The FSD (Supervised) can switch between lanes to sustain speed and choose better routes for navigation.
When navigation routes are not specified the system will make automatic decisions regarding which road holds the highest potential based on present-time traffic situation data.
Why Is This Launch Significant?
FSD (Supervised) from Tesla enters China as a vital move for automated driving systems in environments where human driving faces maximum challenges. Chinese road systems differ from North American cities because they display unanticipated traffic flows together with dense vehicle congestion and vehicles that range from bicycles to automobiles and foot traffic.
The world’s top autonomous driving organizations including Baidu and XPeng operate from China while developing self-driving solutions. The introduction of FSD (Supervised) in China by Tesla will make the sector more competitive.
Tesla’s FSD technology received regulatory approval in China which demonstrates that Chinese authorities are adopting semi-autonomous driving solutions. Tesla’s recent supervised FSD deployment moves China closer to enabling autonomous mobility developments across the country although the company still lacks worldwide self-driving approval.
How Does It Compare to FSD in North America?
Tesla FSD (Supervised) in China offers a similar set of fundamental features to its North American counterpart although it does not allow operations on highways.
- No Highway Operation (Yet?) – FSD (Supervised) functions across highways in North American markets but Chinese customers can currently use the system only on city roads and regulated highways.
- Regulatory Compliance – The Chinese market launch of the system demonstrates that it follows all local regulations through potential functional adaptations.
- Localization for Chinese Roads – The Chinese road system required Tesla to perform specific adjustments to adapt FSD (Supervised) for China’s exclusive driving conditions and traffic rules and driver conduct.
The basic operational capabilities of FSD (Supervised) have not changed because of these differences. Through operating with real-world data, the AI-based system maintained by Tesla will continue adapting which should result in continuous platform performance improvement.
Challenges and Criticism
The expansion of Tesla’s full Autopilot and FSD systems into China faces obstacles because both Washington and Beijing have placed technological restrictions. Tesla originally planned to complete FSD delivery for China during 2024 but postponed the release to this year.
Current FSD regulations from governments force Tesla to restrict its Supervised FSD functionalities to controlled and city streets less advanced than versions used across North America. The implementation of governmental limitations resulted in disappointment among Tesla Chinese owners who have been waiting for multiple years for complete self-driving functions.
Customer Frustration Over Pricing and Features
Users on Chinese social media platforms have complained about the FSD update because it does not include features that Tesla has supposedly advertised since years ago. Chinese automakers such as BYD and XPeng offer similar or better driver-assistance technology for lower costs or even for free.
The Zhejiang province resident Lu Panpan purchased a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with FSD software that cost him 56,000 yuan ($7,720) in 2019 but he did not receive meaningful enhancements throughout the years.
“We can tell Tesla has no choice but to deliver a knowingly restricted system,” Lu said. “It is hard for Tesla to catch up with the smart-driving capabilities in Chinese cars, which even makes less sense given its high pricing.”
