Amsterdam: In a landmark move for autonomous driving in Europe, Dutch regulators have approved the use of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software, allowing it to operate on highways and city streets under mandatory human supervision.
The approval, granted by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), comes after more than 18 months of rigorous testing and evaluation. This marks the first time Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system has been cleared for use in Europe, potentially opening doors for wider adoption across the European Union.
FSD Supervised enables vehicles to steer, brake, and accelerate autonomously, though drivers must remain alert and ready to take control at all times. According to RDW, proper use of the system can contribute positively to road safety.
Tesla is now aiming for EU-wide approval. The Dutch authority has submitted an application to the European Commission, where member states will vote on allowing the technology across the bloc. Even if EU-wide clearance is delayed, individual countries may still approve its use independently.
The development is strategically significant for Tesla, as the company increasingly relies on artificial intelligence-driven self-driving technology and future robotaxi services as key revenue drivers. Much of Tesla’s long-term valuation is tied to this vision.
In Europe, Tesla has faced slowing sales due to an aging electric vehicle lineup and controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s political views. However, the company reported a rebound in February sales, and analysts believe the FSD approval could further boost demand in the coming months.
Currently, around 100,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the Netherlands are eligible to receive the FSD software via updates. The company has confirmed that rollout in the country will begin soon.
While similar ‘hands-free’ systems from automakers like Mercedes, BMW, and Ford are limited to specific highways and conditions, Tesla’s FSD aims to function in a broader range of real-world scenarios. Notably, Tesla relies primarily on cameras and AI, unlike competitors that use multiple sensors.
However, the European version of FSD will differ from its U.S. counterpart, as the EU enforces stricter safety standards. In the United States, the system has faced legal scrutiny, including lawsuits and federal investigations related to crashes and traffic violations.
With regulatory momentum building, Tesla is optimistic about achieving EU-wide approval as early as this summer, which could significantly reshape the future of autonomous driving in Europe.
