Tesla seeks robotaxi licence in China to test its self-driving software following Elon Musk visit to Beijing: report

Beijing will grant Tesla the licence to show its positive stance on economic ties with the US, China Daily reported

Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service and test the FSD system in Shanghai, Reuters said, citing people briefed on the matter

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Visitors look at a Tesla Model 3 at a showroom of the US carmaker in Beijing on February 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00pm, 8 May 2024

Tesla is likely to start testing its advanced driver assistance system in mainland China through a proposed “robotaxi” service, a result of CEO Elon Musk’s discussion with top Chinese policymakers last month, according to a report published by state-run China Daily.

Musk sought consent from Chinese officials to operate a robotaxi business in China, the outlet said, a move that would enable the US carmaker to test its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market. Beijing will grant Tesla the licence to show its positive stance on economic ties with the US, the newspaper added.

Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service and test the FSD system in Shanghai, Reuters said in a report, citing people briefed on the matter.

Robotaxis, or driverless taxis, are viewed as one of the major applications of autonomous cars in urban areas. In China, tech firms including Baidu’s Apollo, Pony.ai and WeRide have won approvals to test their autonomous driving technology in robotaxis in designated areas in cities like Beijing, Guangzhou and Wuhan.

Tourists enjoy the night view of the Bund on May 10, 2023 in Shanghai. Photo: Getty Images

“Testing FSD on robotaxis means Tesla has not received the nod from Beijing to fully commercialise the autonomous driving technology,” said Gao Shen, an independent industry analyst based in Shanghai. “For Chinese fans of Tesla cars and technologies, robotaxis provide an opportunity to experience the FSD. It will be a good start.”

Musk landed in Beijing on April 28 before meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss Tesla’s operations on the mainland, fuelling speculation that the FSD software would get the green light to be widely used in China. Tesla charges US$8,000 for its FSD software in the US, or US$99 a month for a subscription.