Tesla has begun integrating two Chinese generative-AI systems—DeepSeek and ByteDance’s Doubao—into vehicles sold in the mainland, according to updated terms of use posted on the company’s China website on 22 August. The large language models will be delivered through ByteDance’s Volcano Engine cloud service and debut in the newly launched long-wheelbase Model Y L before being rolled out to other models. Doubao will manage core voice commands such as navigation, music playback and climate controls, while DeepSeek will provide more conversational chat capabilities and news updates. By adopting locally developed AI, Tesla is seeking to bolster its smart-cockpit offering and keep pace with Chinese electric-vehicle rivals that already embed similar features. The company’s U.S. line-up employs Elon Musk’s Grok assistant for non-driving queries, but that system is not available in China, where regulators require approved domestic models.