Chinese Internet Giant Baidu Will Provide Map service for Tesla EVs, as US Carmaker Eyed Mainland Launch of Self-Driving System
Baidu to provide mapping software for Tesla EVs in China. Tesla aims to launch its Full Self-Driving system on the mainland. Baidu Maps V20 offers lane-level, 3D navigation and other advanced features.
This collaboration paves the way for Tesla to launch its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system on the mainland of China.
Baidu Maps, the desktop and mobile web-mapping application, will soon be available on Tesla's EVs. The latest version, Version 20, boasts new lane-level, 3D navigation software with a more intuitive user interface specifically designed for Tesla vehicles. The capabilities of the V20 include traffic light countdowns, lane instructions, and surveillance alerts.
This partnership is a big move for Tesla, which has been using Baidu for in-car mapping and navigation in China since 2020. By incorporating Baidu's mapping software, Tesla is getting closer to launching its FSD system in China. Baidu is one of the few Chinese companies that has received top-level map-surveying certification for advanced driver-assistance systems.
Mapping data is strictly controlled in China, where popular services such as Google Maps are not publicly available and may display distorted or erroneous coordinates. Baidu's relationship with Tesla ensures that EV owners in China receive precise and reliable mapping information.
Baidu has apologised for the delay in making the most recent version of its mapping service available to Tesla EV owners on the mainland. However, the business assures consumers that Baidu Maps for Tesla will be accessible soon.
During the April introduction of Baidu Maps V20, the firm revealed that the new version would be available in May for a variety of vehicles, including those from Tesla, Huawei Technologies, and JiYue, an EV brand founded in 2021 by Baidu and Geely.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, travelled to Beijing in April to meet with senior government officials, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The goal of the visit was to obtain permission to run a robotaxi business on the mainland. According to reports, Beijing will award Tesla the necessary licence, reflecting the government's willingness to strengthen business ties with the United States.
Tesla is planning to register its FSD software with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, with plans to debut the system on the mainland later this year. This move is likely to increase the adoption of self-driving cars in China, however local competitors in the EV sector are also offering similar technologies.
Baidu to provide mapping software for Tesla EVs in China
Tesla aims to launch its Full Self-Driving system on the mainland
Baidu Maps V20 offers lane-level, 3D navigation and other advanced features
Source: SCMP