Tesla starts 30-day FSD test in China

Starting March 17, 2025, eligible Tesla owners in China can try the full power of the Full Self-Driving Software (FSD) for free – until April 16, 2025. This move aims to advance FSD adoption in the world's largest electric car market.

Details about the FSD Test

Tesla recently launched the FSD test in China after the necessary approval was granted. The action targets Tesla owners whose vehicles are equipped with the necessary assistance hardware, current software, and the latest navigation maps.

Test Period: March 17 to April 16, 2025
Eligibility: Vehicles must have the required FSD hardware
Rollout: The test is conducted in batches, so not all vehicles receive the update simultaneously

Challenges and Solutions

The introduction of the FSD test in China was long-awaited – Tesla had to fight for years against local data protection regulations that restrict access to vehicle-related data for AI training. Unlike in North America, where Tesla benefits from millions of miles of real-world driving data, the company was only allowed to use publicly available videos and localized data sources in China.

Partnerships: Tesla collaborates with Baidu and uses locally approved mapping technologies to improve FSD performance
Objective: The test aims to strengthen confidence in FSD technology and pave the way for future subscription-based models

Strategy and Outlook

In recent months, Tesla has already offered similar 30-day FSD trials in North America and Canada to promote the acceptance of autonomous driving technology.

Experience: Previous tests have shown that such trials increase interest and demand for FSD
Future Offering: Although no FSD subscription model is available in China yet, the test suggests that Tesla could introduce this service soon

With the 30-day FSD test in China, Tesla once again demonstrates how flexible and innovative the company responds to global challenges – and sends a strong signal in a competitive market.