Tesla is set to launch its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature in Europe following extensive global testing. This move marks the first time the FSD technology will be available for European drivers, who have previously logged more than ten billion kilometers using this feature worldwide.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Launch in Europe
In Germany, Tesla is offering test drives in real traffic conditions. These are available at several key locations, including:
- Munich
- Cologne
- Hamburg
- Düsseldorf
- Frankfurt am Main
- Giessen
- Hanover
- Berlin
- Stuttgart
Participants will take these rides as passengers, with Tesla staff guiding the vehicles. The company has recently updated its progress regarding the approval process for its FSD technology.
Approval Timeline by Dutch Authority
This week, Tesla announced cooperation with the Dutch vehicle authority, RDW, which agreed to consider granting approval for the FSD functions in the Netherlands by February 2026. The RDW confirmed this timeline and emphasized that Tesla needs to demonstrate compliance with specific requirements.
The RDW stated, “Whether the schedule can be met remains to be seen.” This approval process involves the following steps:
- A manufacturer submits an application for a technology exemption to the European Commission.
- An EU member state sponsors the application.
- An EU committee decides if the exemption is granted for all member states or just the sponsoring country.
Technology and Safety Aspects
Tesla has reiterated its commitment to a vision-only approach for the FSD (Supervised) system, avoiding the use of expensive sensors or HD maps. The technology relies on visual perception, supported by powerful processing capabilities.
Unlike humans, who can be easily distracted, Tesla’s cameras and neural networks maintain focus while driving. This system has been trained with vast amounts of real-world data, gathered from over six million Tesla vehicles globally.
The FSD (Supervised) feature is currently operational in several countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand, and the USA. Tesla anticipates that the full implementation in Europe will begin in early 2026.
Future Developments
The company has been diligently working toward the European rollout of the Full Self-Driving feature for over a year. Tesla has presented demo rides to authorities across almost all European nations and has recently made its safety evidence publicly available through a new safety report.
Tesla’s innovative approach aims to enhance driving safety and convenience, paving the way for the future of autonomous vehicles in Europe.
