Tesla has announced a new partnership with Tencent to integrate WeChat-linked features directly into its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China.
According to an announcement by Tencent Cloud on Wednesday, the partnership will introduce connected services that allow drivers to seamlessly transfer locations from WeChat to their Tesla, along with intelligent suggestions based on their destination. These features will be rolled out through an over-the-air (OTA) update to existing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China, and will come pre-installed on future vehicles sold in the country.
Beyond navigation, the system can also provide contextual recommendations such as nearby charging stations, parking availability, or other services based on the driver’s selected destination. These recommendations are powered by Tencent’s cloud infrastructure and WeChat’s extensive Mini Programme ecosystem, allowing services to appear directly within the vehicle without requiring additional downloads.
The integration is designed to make Tesla’s infotainment and navigation systems more closely aligned with how Chinese consumers already use digital services. WeChat, which combines messaging, payments, navigation, and a vast ecosystem of mini-apps, plays a central role in everyday life across China. By connecting directly to the platform, Tesla drivers will be able to send locations from their phone to their vehicle instantly, streamlining trip planning and reducing friction between devices.
The move is part of Tencent’s broader “Intelligent Automobile Cloud” initiative, which supports nearly 40 automotive brands operating in China. The company’s automotive software strategy centers on turning WeChat into a central hub for in-vehicle services, including navigation, payments, and mobility features.
For Tesla, the partnership represents another step in adapting its vehicles to local market conditions. Unlike its more tightly controlled software ecosystem in North America and Europe, Tesla has taken a more collaborative approach in China, working with domestic technology leaders to enhance vehicle functionality.
The automaker already relies on several Chinese tech companies to power key features. Baidu provides lane-level navigation data, while entertainment services such as NetEase and QQ Music are integrated into Tesla’s infotainment system. Meanwhile, voice assistant capabilities are supported by artificial intelligence technologies from companies like ByteDance and DeepSeek.
Tesla has also expanded its technical presence in China, recently confirming that its local AI training center is now operational. This facility enables Tesla to train its autonomous driving systems using domestic data, while complying with China’s strict data localization requirements.
