Tesla and China’s tech giant Tencent have teamed up to deliver new connected car features for Tesla vehicles in the Chinese market, marking a notable step in localizing the EV maker’s in-car experience for Chinese drivers.
According to Tencent Cloud, the collaboration will integrate WeChat-linked functionality and intelligent service suggestions directly into Tesla’s vehicle interfaces. Among the features being introduced are the instant transfer of WeChat location data from a user’s phone to the car’s navigation system, as well as recommendations for services based on the driver’s destination.
The new capabilities will be delivered through an over-the-air (OTA) software update for existing Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China, and will be standard on future China-market Tesla models, Tencent Cloud confirmed.
The rollout is expected to cover more than one million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles currently on the road in China, with additional new vehicles equipped by default. Tencent said the upgrade aims to combine its digital ecosystem with Tesla’s cockpit technology to create a more seamless, connected experience for drivers.
The WeChat integration reflects China’s unique mobile-first digital landscape, where WeChat remains a central platform for messaging, navigation sharing, and service discovery. By enabling these features inside Tesla’s in-car systems, the partnership addresses a growing demand among local EV buyers for technology that aligns with established digital habits.
While Tesla has long offered basic connectivity and app support in other markets, the Tencent collaboration underscores how foreign automakers are increasingly tailoring software experiences to meet local expectations in China, where connected services and ecosystem integrations can be a major differentiator in consumer preferences.
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