Tesla is integrating DeepSeek and Doubao AI into its in-car voice assistant system in Chinese vehicles to enhance the user experience and compete with local rivals offering similar capabilities.
According to reports, Tesla’s new Model Y L will feature the integrated AI system from DeepSeek and Doubao, with both hosted on ByteDance’s Volcano Engine cloud service. The update will allow Tesla drivers to control various vehicle functions, such as in-car entertainment, cabin temperature, and real-time news updates. ByteDance’s Doubao AI will manage routine tasks like navigation, media, and climate control, while DeepSeek (DeepSeek Chat) will facilitate more complex conversational interactions, allowing more open-ended questions and discussions.
The change marks a shift in Tesla’s software strategy in China, its largest non-U.S. market, highlighting how regulatory, commercial, and technological factors are influencing automakers’ AI decisions in the country.
In the U.S., Tesla vehicles are equipped with the Grok AI model, created by CEO Elon Musk’s AI firm, xAI. On August 19, Tesla introduced the Model Y L in China—a six-seat SUV that expands the Model Y lineup beyond its existing five-seat variants. Unlike other Tesla models in China, which require users to press a scroll wheel on the steering wheel to activate voice commands, the Model Y L allows drivers to initiate its voice assistant using the phrase ‘Hey, Tesla’ or a personalized wake word.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s updated terms caution users that AI-generated content may be inaccurate or inappropriate and emphasize that the technology should not be used to endanger national security.
Tesla’s latest move underscores its strategy to drive sales in China’s highly competitive EV market, with the AI systems from DeepSeek and ByteDance designed to appeal to local consumers.
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