FSD in Europe: Tesla gets approval for test drives for the first time
An important milestone for Tesla in Europe: The electric pioneer is now officially allowed to test its Full Self-Driving System (FSD) on Swedish roads. Sweden is thus the first EU country to grant such a permit. This could have a signal effect for all other European countries.
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Tesla is allowed to test FSD in Sweden – a first in the EU
As the Swedish blogger Alexander Kristensen reports on X, the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) has given the US carmaker the go-ahead to test FSD on all state highways and expressways. The permit includes three vehicles owned by Tesla that may be used specifically for these tests:
The US company is thus breaking new ground in Europe: no other country within the EU has yet allowed such public driving tests with FSD. The decision is also likely to have a signal effect for other member states – especially for those waiting for new UNECE regulations and EU-wide standards for autonomous driving.
Why the permit is so important for Europe
The permit in Sweden is more than a local test run – it is a strategic door opener for the whole of Europe. By testing on real roads, the automaker can collect crucial safety and performance data to prepare for approval under European regulations.
Of particular relevance is compliance with UNECE regulations, which will redefine the framework for autonomous systems in the EU from 2025 onwards. If it can be proven that FSD works safely and in compliance with the rules even under these conditions, this could pave the way for an EU-wide release.
At the same time, it is clear that Tesla is realigning its European strategy: Instead of waiting for large-scale tests, the company is relying on selective, regulatory-coordinated pilot projects. Sweden could thus become a model for other countries such as Germany, the Netherlands or Norway.
A big step for Tesla
With the approval in Sweden, Tesla is getting a good deal closer to its goal of making FSD available in Europe as well. The tests on highways are now intended to show how reliably the system operates under real European traffic conditions.
It remains to be seen whether the release will soon be extended to other countries – but the chances are good. Europe's authorities are closely monitoring Tesla's progress, and positive results could provide the decisive impetus for a rethink.
Elon Musk's company has already proven that the system is reliable in the USA: Since the middle of the year, robotaxi operation there has been running like clockwork – its area of operation in Texas has already been expanded three times since launch. The latest safety data also show that Teslas with FSD produce fewer accidents than vehicles without.
Do you think that Sweden is just the beginning and that FSD will soon be approved throughout the EU? Comment your opinion below.
Source featured image: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.