Tesla tests FSD system in left-hand traffic: London as preparation for Europe
Tesla has apparently begun testing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in left-hand traffic. First signs point to a test drive in London. This could be an important step in preparing for European approval, as many countries like the UK, Ireland, and Malta have left-hand traffic. So far, FSD has only been tested in Europe in right-hand traffic countries like Estonia and Lithuania. The test in London is a signal that Tesla is pushing ahead with adaptation to different traffic rules.
[IMPORTANT] > The test in London is a key milestone for the European introduction of FSD, as it shows that Tesla is actively working on adapting to local conditions. This could accelerate approval in further EU countries.
Details of the test
Concrete details about the tests are still scarce. It is unclear whether it is a factory or public test. Tesla has not yet made an official statement. However, social media posts and discussions in Tesla forums indicate that the system has been spotted on London's streets. The test could also be part of Tesla FSD V12 neural networks.
Significance for Europe
Adapting to left-hand traffic is technically challenging because many rules and traffic flows are mirrored. That Tesla is tackling this shows progress towards the goal of EU-wide approval. So far, Tesla has approved FSD in several EU countries, but left-hand traffic was a hurdle for countries like the UK and Ireland. This test could advance approval in further countries.
Comparison: USA vs. Europe
| Criteria | USA | Europe |
|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Mixed (right- and left-hand traffic) |
| Approval status | Widespread (FSD Supervised) | Only in a few countries so far (Estonia, Lithuania) |
| Technical requirements | More uniform standard | Diverse rules, many different countries |
| Test scope | Millions of miles | Only limited tests so far |
Outlook
It remains to be seen whether the tests in London will lead to an official introduction in the UK. Tesla has announced that it will also roll out FSD in other European countries. The test in London is a positive signal for Tesla fans in Europe.
Video on the topic
youtube: Tesla FSD testing London
