Tesla is integrating Deepseek and Doubao AI voice controls into its vehicles in China. This move aims to enhance in-car experiences and better compete with local manufacturers. ByteDance's Doubao will handle standard voice commands like navigation and music. Deepseek Chat, from Beijing-based DeepQuest, will power more advanced AI interactions.
The integration comes as Tesla faces data localisation laws in China. These regulations prevent Tesla from using its Grok AI assistant, developed by Elon Musk's xAI, in the region. Tesla has also introduced a customisable wake word, with 'Hey, Tesla' as the default, for its voice assistant in China.
BYD also integrated DeepSeek into its driver-assistance systems earlier in the year. It is unlikely that North American Teslas will see a similar DeepSeek integration, due to privacy and data security concerns.
