Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) is on the verge of launching in Belgium. Flemish Minister for Mobility, Public Works, Ports, and Sports, Annick De Ridder, announced on Wednesday that she has officially approved the autonomous driving software. This makes Flanders the first Belgian region to pave the way for Tesla FSD.
Background: FSD in Europe
Tesla FSD is already approved in several European countries, including Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The Belgian approval underscores the continuous progress of Tesla's autonomous technology on the continent. While the US operates under oversight from agencies like the NHTSA, the EU adheres to strict UNECE regulations. Tesla FSD: Zero Accidents in 16.6 Million Kilometers in Europe highlights the impressive safety record.
Technical Requirements
In Europe, FSD must be equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3) or Hardware 4 (HW4). The following table compares the key specifications:
While HW4 is more powerful, HW3 also meets the requirements for FSD in Europe. The software also adapts to local traffic rules.
Outlook: Robotaxis in Europe?
The approval in Belgium could be another building block for Tesla's robotaxi strategy. Tesla Reveals Next Robotaxi Strategy suggests that Europe is a potential market for autonomous taxis. Although robotaxis are currently only tested in the US, regulatory progress in Europe is accelerating development.
Next Steps
Tesla will initially introduce FSD in a Supervised version, where the driver must intervene at all times. The Belgian approval allows tests on public roads in Flanders. Once other regions follow, Belgium could become the fifth EU country to widely approve FSD. Tesla FSD Conquers Europe: Fourth Country Receives Approval shows the trend.