Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” system is facing growing regulatory scrutiny in Europe, even as it receives initial approval in the Netherlands and moves toward broader EU consideration.
According to Beyond Time News, Dutch road authority RDW approved Tesla’s system in April and is now seeking wider European Union endorsement. A key EU committee review is scheduled, where member states will assess whether to extend approval across the bloc.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence that the system will soon gain approval in multiple countries, calling it essential for future expansion, including potential robotaxi deployment in Europe.
Regulatory Concerns Across Europe
Despite the Dutch approval, regulators in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway have raised concerns over safety and compliance. Issues highlighted in internal correspondence include:
- Vehicle tendency to exceed speed limits
- Safety performance on icy and winter roads
- Potential circumvention of phone-use restrictions
- Risk of misleading branding suggesting full autonomy
Officials have also questioned whether Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” name could create false expectations among consumers.
EU Approval Process Still Uncertain
For approval, the system must secure support from member states representing 55% of EU countries and 65% of the population. No vote is scheduled this week, with further meetings expected later in the year.
Some regulators have also criticized Tesla’s strategy of encouraging customers to lobby authorities, saying it adds pressure to the approval process before full technical reviews are completed.
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Mixed Evaluations from Regulators
While concerns remain, some European regulators have noted positive performance in real-world conditions, including complex urban traffic environments in cities like Copenhagen and Paris.
However, Nordic authorities remain cautious, particularly regarding safety in harsh weather conditions and unpredictable road scenarios such as wildlife encounters.
Business Stakes for Tesla
Tesla is pushing for EU-wide approval to boost declining sales in the region, which reportedly fell in recent years. Analysts say successful approval could significantly strengthen the company’s position against growing competition, including Chinese EV manufacturers.
Outlook
The EU is expected to continue reviewing technical data and national assessments before making a final decision, leaving Tesla’s autonomous driving expansion in Europe uncertain for now despite early regulatory progress.
