Tesla’s highly anticipated Full Self-Driving feature is facing a slight delay in its global rollout. Earlier this year, CEO Elon Musk repeatedly stated that the company was on track to bring the Tesla Full Self-Driving feature (FSD) to both European and Chinese markets by the end of 2024. However, Tesla’s official AI team has now confirmed on X that the automaker is more likely to launch FSD in Q1 2025, assuming all goes according to plan.
Regulatory approval remains the biggest hurdle. Musk has already visited China multiple times in an effort to secure government clearance, even aiming for a potential rollout as early as September 2024. Those plans have shifted, and Tesla now appears to be aligning its timeline with the more realistic early-2025 target. Europe faces similar regulatory challenges, as autonomous driving systems undergo strict evaluation before deployment.
The approval of the Tesla Full Self-Driving feature is particularly crucial for the automaker’s performance in China. Tesla currently sells the FSD package for RMB 64,000 ($9,200), while the more limited Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) is available at half the price and is already usable in the country. Bringing full FSD capability to Chinese customers could significantly boost adoption and improve Tesla’s competitiveness in the world’s largest EV market.
Beyond regulations, Tesla may also face operational challenges unique to China. Urban areas in major cities see heavy use of electric scooters, bicycles, and non-motorized vehicles that share the same lanes as cars. These unpredictable road dynamics could make it more difficult for the Full Self-Driving system to perform consistently, especially during rush-hour traffic.
As Tesla refines its autonomous driving technology and works toward meeting regulatory expectations, the Q1 2025 timeframe appears more realistic for the official launch of the Tesla Full Self-Driving feature in both China and Europe.
