Elon Musk Wants to Deploy Tesla Robotaxis in China: Reports

By Jace Dela Cruz

May 09, 2024 02:45 AM EDT

During his recent visit to China, Elon Musk reportedly proposed testing Tesla's advanced driver-assistance package in the country through robotaxis. 

CHINA-AUTOMOBILE-MANUFACTURING-TESLA-US
Tesla CEO Elon Musk gestures during the Tesla China-made Model 3 Delivery Ceremony in Shanghai. Tesla CEO Elon Musk presented the first batch of made-in-China cars to ordinary buyers on January 7, 2020 in a milestone for the company's new Shanghai "giga-factory", but which comes as sales decelerate in the world's largest electric-vehicle market.
(Photo : STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Elon Musk Wants to Test Tesla Robotaxis in China

Citing China Daily local newspaper, Reuters reported that Chinese officials expressed openness to Elon Musk's proposal to test Tesla robotaxis in the country and hoped it would "set a good example." However, they did not immediately approve the widespread use of Full Self-Driving (FSD) functions.

Before FSD functions can be fully implemented, Tesla must obtain approval to collect and transfer data that its cars need to train its driver-assistance features. This complex issue, however, was not extensively discussed during the Tesla CEO's visit.

READ NEXT: Elon Musk Prioritizing Robotaxi Over Affordable Tesla Models Contributed to Profit Drop

Elon Musk Visits China

According to a Reuters source, Tesla is preparing to apply for robotaxi tests in Shanghai, where its largest global factory is located.

Reuters previously reported that Elon Musk's visit to Beijing was to discuss the FSD rollout and secure government approvals for Tesla to transfer data overseas, which could be crucial in its autonomous vehicles' development.

READ MORE: Elon Musk's Tesla Expects to Incur Expenditures of Over $350 Million as Result of Mass Layoffs

© 2024 VCPOST, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics