Tesla drivers in China are about to hear a new voice inside their cars. Instead of Elon Musk’s Grok AI, which is rolling out in the U.S., Teslas in China now run on DeepSeek, a conversational artificial intelligence developed by Beijing-based DeepQuest.
The update goes deeper than just swapping software. According to official filings, Tesla’s infotainment system now relies on two AI engines. Doubao, from ByteDance, handles the everyday stuff like maps, music, and climate. DeepSeek Chat is built for more advanced conversations, giving drivers a smoother back-and-forth when they ask complex questions.
“Tesla’s infotainment system in China now uses two large language models: Doubao… and DeepSeek Chat… for more advanced interactive dialogue.”
The move highlights Tesla’s need to adapt to China’s strict data rules. Those laws prevent Tesla from sending driver interactions to servers outside the country, which is why Grok, the AI assistant from Musk’s xAI, can’t be used. DeepSeek is the workaround, keeping Tesla competitive while staying compliant with local regulations.
For American Tesla owners, DeepSeek won’t be making an appearance. There are two reasons. First, Tesla already has Grok powering the experience here. Second, data security concerns would make regulators wary of using a Chinese AI system. DeepSeek’s servers, like most in China, fall under local cybersecurity regulations, something that doesn’t sit well with privacy standards in the U.S.
It’s worth noting that Tesla isn’t the first automaker to make this move. Back in February, BYD integrated DeepSeek into its driver-assistance systems, showing how quickly Chinese AI companies are weaving themselves into the country’s EV ecosystem. Now Tesla is following suit, which signals just how important these partnerships have become.
On a lighter note, Tesla has also introduced a wake word feature for the Chinese market. The default is “Hey Tesla,” but drivers can personalize it with their own phrase. A small touch, but it shows how Tesla is tailoring the experience to make its cars feel more interactive and personal.
For Tesla enthusiasts, this is another reminder that EV technology doesn’t develop in a vacuum. The same car can offer a completely different digital experience depending on where you drive it. In the U.S., Tesla’s assistant is powered by Grok. In China, it’s powered by DeepSeek. One company, two very different approaches and all shaped by the mix of innovation and geopolitics.
At the end of the day, Tesla is showing it can stay flexible in a global market. Whether it’s Grok or DeepSeek, the focus is the same. Make driving smarter, faster, and more connected to the driver.
Source: DriveTesla