Tesla has received the green light to conduct public road tests of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology in Belgium, marking a significant milestone in the company’s European expansion efforts. The Flemish regional government has granted Tesla permission to test its FSD system on one vehicle in the Flanders region, allowing for a 5,000-kilometre trial to assess the software’s performance on Belgian roads, roundabouts, and traffic regulations.
This approval comes on the heels of a groundbreaking decision in the Netherlands, where Tesla’s FSD technology was provisionally approved in April, making it the first European Union country to do so. Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder has expressed optimism that positive results from the Belgian trial could pave the way for a Europe-wide type approval for the software.
It’s important to note that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system operates at Level 2 autonomy, meaning a human safety driver must be present in the vehicle at all times, remain alert, and be ready to take over control if necessary. The company is now setting its sights on achieving broader regulatory recognition across the EU by the summer.
This development marks the beginning of a ripple effect in Europe with regards to the approval of Full Self-Driving technology. The potential implications of successful testing in Belgium could have far-reaching effects on the adoption and regulation of autonomous driving systems across the continent. It will be interesting to see how this pilot program unfolds and what it means for the future of self-driving technology in Europe.