China’s Local Governments Eye Tesla Cars for First Time: Report

Tesla’s Surprising Comeback in China

Government Embraces Tesla Again

China’s eastern Jiangsu province is set to purchase Tesla Model Y electric vehicles for the 2024-2025 budget year. This marks a significant shift, as Tesla cars have been largely banned from government use due to security concerns.

Security Concerns and Compliance

Previously, Tesla vehicles were restricted from government-affiliated venues, especially near military bases, because of their onboard cameras. However, recent tests confirmed that locally-built Teslas meet China’s data security requirements.

A New Era for Electric Vehicles in China

The procurement list also includes other models like Aito M7 and Avatr 11 with Huawei’s driving tech, alongside state-owned brands such as SAIC and Geely. This move signals a broader acceptance of diverse electric vehicle technologies within Chinese governmental operations.

References:

1. Reuters
2. Jiangsu Government Announcement (in Chinese)

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!