Tesla has recently unveiled a new video showcasing a vehicle equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology navigating the chaotic streets of Rome. This video comes as the second in a series of demonstrations aimed at proving the readiness of FSD for its European debut, with regulatory approval being the only remaining hurdle.
The first video showcased FSD in action in Paris, specifically tackling the challenging Arc de Triomphe roundabout. The successful navigation of this complex traffic situation highlighted the system’s capability to handle even the most demanding driving scenarios in Europe.
The choice of Rome for the latest video is significant due to the city’s reputation for challenging traffic conditions, including aggressive drivers, crowded streets, and unique road layouts. The demonstration in Rome aims to showcase how FSD can handle the complexities of driving in such environments once regulatory approval is granted.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for regulatory approval in Europe, citing the delay as “very frustrating.” According to internal data from Tesla, FSD has shown significant safety benefits, reducing the risk of injury by fourfold and being ten times less likely to be involved in a crash compared to human drivers.
The regulatory approval process for FSD in Europe is complex and time-consuming, primarily due to the legal frameworks surrounding fully automated driving systems. Currently, only Level 2 semi-autonomous systems are permitted in Europe, with clear guidelines on liability in self-driving car accidents needing to be established.
In contrast, Mercedes-Benz has become the first manufacturer permitted to enable Level 3 automated driving in the EU, albeit limited to specific conditions on German autobahns. The implementation of Level 3 driving in Mercedes vehicles emphasizes the importance of redundant system architecture for safety, ensuring the continuous operation of critical functions in case of failure.
While Mercedes utilizes Lidar technology for Level 3 driving, Tesla relies solely on camera arrays and neural networks for FSD. The absence of Lidar and radar in Tesla vehicles presents a unique challenge in gaining regulatory approval in Europe, where alternative sensing technologies are preferred.
Despite the progress made by Mercedes in enabling Level 3 driving, the road to regulatory approval for FSD in Europe remains uncertain. The lack of public statements from regulators and the stringent testing requirements suggest that the approval process may take longer than anticipated.
Tesla’s European operations, based in the Netherlands, are responsible for homologating models for sale in the EU. The Netherlands Vehicle Authority conducts testing and submits findings to the EU for approval, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards before FSD can be deployed in Europe.
In conclusion, while Tesla continues to showcase the capabilities of FSD through videos and demonstrations, the path to regulatory approval in Europe remains challenging. The unique legal requirements, testing protocols, and technological considerations present significant obstacles that must be addressed before FSD can be implemented on European roads.