A district in western Germany launched a shuttle service using Tesla‘s Full Self-Driving software, marking the first project of its kind in Europe, according to the region’s transport ministry.
The pilot began in Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture announced on LinkedIn Wednesday.
“Reliable and flexible mobility is especially vital in rural areas,” the ministry wrote.
“With the launch of a shuttle service using self-driving vehicles (FSD supervised) by Tesla in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, an innovative pilot project is now getting underway that complements local community bus services. It is the first project of its kind in Europe,” it added.
The ministry said it accompanied the project from an early stage, with Minister Daniela Schmitt experiencing the technology firsthand.
“All parties involved – municipalities, approval authorities and the company – worked closely together to make this project possible,” the ministry wrote. “The result is a real gain for rural mobility: greater accessibility, more flexibility and tangible benefits for everyday life.”
The ministry called it “a strong signal for innovation, cooperation and future-oriented mobility beyond urban centers.”
European Rollout Advances
The shuttle launch comes as Tesla prepares to introduce FSD more broadly in Europe, pending regulatory approval.
During a test ride earlier this month with AutoBild, Germany’s largest automotive publication, a Tesla Model 3 running FSD handled complex Berlin traffic requiring minimal intervention — according to the publication.
The system autonomously managed braking, acceleration, steering, and overtaking at speeds up to 140 km/h, while recognizing construction zones, braking early for pedestrians, and yielding on narrow streets.
Tesla has applied for an exemption in the Netherlands, aiming to launch the feature through a free software update as early as February 2026.
Test Rides Expand
In late November, Tesla announced it would offer FSD ride-alongs in Germany, Italy, and France starting in December.
The ride-alongs allow Europeans to experience FSD — which Tesla says can handle almost all driving scenarios autonomously but requires human supervision — during a test drive from the passenger seat.
Tesla has since extended the test rides until March 2026 and expanded the program to additional countries.
Elon Musk said earlier this week that the company aims to release its Full Self-Driving software in the United Arab Emirates as soon as January 2026.
The UAE could become the eighth country where FSD is available, following the latest launch in South Korea, where it is currently limited to Model X and Model S vehicles.