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France begins tests on Tesla's self-driving tech

Created at 3 Sep · 10:11 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

France has commenced on-road testing of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, aiming to assess its safety and potentially pave the way for European approval. The tests follow provisional approvals in the Netherlands and other European nations.

Key Numbers

2vehicles equipped with FSD for testing

Who's Involved

Philippe Tabarot
French Minister of Transport
Tesla
automaker testing its FSD system
Elon Musk
CEO of Tesla
RDW
Netherlands road authority that approved FSD
France begins tests on Tesla's self-driving tech

↳ Why This Matters

This development signifies a crucial step towards potential European approval for Tesla's FSD system, impacting the future of autonomous driving technology adoption across the continent and potentially influencing regulatory approaches in other regions.

Key facts

  • France has initiated on-road testing of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.
  • The tests are being conducted on two vehicles equipped with FSD technology.
  • The Netherlands previously granted provisional approval for FSD in April.
  • A bloc-wide vote on the technology's approval could take place as early as next month.
  • France aims to complete its tests and have results by mid-to-late September.

France has launched on-road testing of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) advanced driver assistance system, a move that could bring the technology closer to bloc-wide approval in Europe. French Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot announced the start of tests on two vehicles, following several months of collaboration with Tesla on technical adaptations.

The Netherlands' road authority, RDW, had previously granted provisional approval for FSD in April, prompting similar decisions from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania. France intends to conduct its own tests to verify data provided by the Netherlands and Tesla, and to evaluate the system's performance on French roads.

Tabarot stated he had a constructive exchange with Elon Musk regarding the technology. France expects to have test results by mid-to-late September, which will inform a potential vote on the technology's approval by the European bloc in the coming months, possibly as early as next month or in early December.

Frequently asked questions

FSD is a driver assistance system that can control acceleration, braking, and steering, but requires the human driver to remain ready to intervene. It does not enable fully autonomous driving.

The Netherlands has granted provisional approval, followed by Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania. France is now conducting its own tests before a potential bloc-wide vote.

A vote on the plan could take place as early as next month or in early December, following the completion of France's testing phase.

What Happens Next

01France to provide test results by mid-to-late September.
02Potential bloc-wide vote on FSD approval in coming months.

How It Developed

France has begun testing Tesla's Full Self-Driving system on two vehicles.
The Netherlands previously granted provisional approval for FSD use on Dutch roads.
Several other European countries followed the Netherlands' lead in approving FSD.
French Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot held a constructive exchange with Elon Musk.
France aims to have test results by mid-to-late September.
A bloc-wide vote on FSD approval could occur next month or in early December.

Sources

T1
France starts tests on Tesla's self-driving techReuters

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