Tesla just got the green light for its FSD in Europe.
Dutch regulators have approved the automaker’s “Full Self-Driving Supervised” system for use on public roads, marking the first time the technology has been cleared in Europe. The clearance is the first step toward wider adoption across the European Union.
The approval by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) came after more than 18 months of testing. Dutch regulators determined that if the system is used properly, it could lead to improved road safety. However, they emphasized that the European version of Tesla’s software differs from what is currently available in the United States, where Tesla operates it under a laxer regulatory landscape and has faced several inquiries following crashes.
The Netherlands plans to submit the system for EU-wide approval. Achieving that requires a majority vote among member states. If approved, Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology could be rolled out across the EU. Even without authorization of the entire European Union, individual countries could choose to allow the system within their own borders.
The news is a significant milestone for Tesla as it seeks to expand its self-driving capabilities beyond the United States. The automaker has banked on the expansion of ADAS and, subsequently, fully autonomous vehicles as a key to its growth, especially important now as sales of its EVs have slowed in Europe largely due to increasing competition.
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Analysts say regulatory approval could also help boost demand. The Netherlands is one of Tesla’s bigger European markets, with roughly 100,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles eligible to receive the software through a subscription.
Tesla said it expects to begin rolling out FSD in the Netherlands soon, while continuing to pursue approvals in other European markets.