Tesla Increases Navigation Level In China, Track Mark Now Available

JAKARTA - Tesla is currently in the process of introducing the 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) software system in China. In fact, Elon Musk himself came to China to meet with top officials of the country in April to discuss the launch of Full Self-Driving software and permission to transfer data overseas.

Currently, Tesla only uses the camera as a sensor for self-driving technology in China. But before it was approved by the Chinese Government, Tesla had released a software update for the driver assistance navigation system in China. This update brings interesting features, one of which is the display of track markings on maps that match actual conditions on the highway.

Reuters reported, quoted on June 10, Tesla announced the update through their official WeChat account, along with a series of other new features. Tesla claims that this update will reduce driver dependence on smartphone apps while driving. This increase is also a response to Tesla users' complaints in China that often complain about the lack of details on driver assistance navigation maps compared to maps available on smartphones.

In contrast to the high-definition map that collects sensitive and more detailed geographic information to serve as additional sensors on self-driving cars, navigation maps in China have long been used to provide traffic information to drivers.

Tesla did not mention the provider of the map service related to the track markings. However, Shanghai Securities News reported on June 8 that Baidu was the supplier of the map. Baidu has been a provider of Tesla navigation maps since 2020 and previously launched Baidu Maps V20 in April.

Baidu Maps V20 introduces path level navigation (lane-level navigation) which is claimed to provide detailed road information and path recommendations to drivers to improve driving safety and convenience.