Britons could soon be able to use the popular Full Self-Driving capabilities pioneered by Tesla’s electric vehicles within months after Elon Musk backed measures to bring the technology to Europe.
The official Tesla AI account on X stated that the electric vehicle brand is looking to roll out its Full Self-Driving technology in Europe and China, pending regulatory approval.
Tesla is yet to receive regulatory permission to launch its FSD technology in Europe and China, with questions surrounding whether a decision will be made within the next three months.
Elon Musk predicted in July earlier this year that he expects clearance to be given for Europe and China by the end of 2024.
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Elon Musk has supported calls to get FSD in Europe and China
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Posting on X, which Elon Musk purchased as Twitter in 2022, the CEO added: “Currently expected self-driving timeline. Hopefully, RHD markets in late Q1, early Q2, pending regulatory approval.”
The previous Conservative Government stated that self-driving vehicles could be on British roads by 2026 following the passage of the Automated Vehicles Act in May 2024.
It is estimated that the law changes will create over 38,000 skilled jobs and be worth a staggering £42billion by 2035.
Former Transport Secretary Mark Harper said Britain stood at the “threshold of an automotive revolution”, describing it as a “milestone moment” for the UK.
Susannah Streeter, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said getting the regulatory green light from China may be easier, while it will be a “longer process for approval” in Europe, according to Reuters.
Alongside the launch plans for Europe and China, Tesla will aim to introduce FSD for its Cybertruck models in September, as well as Autopark features.
Other updates include smart summon technology, eye-tracking with sunglasses and an “End-to-End network” on highways across the United States.
Reuters has also claimed that Tesla is planning to produce a six-seat variant of its Model Y in late 2025 to further boost sales, especially in China.
Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter reported that Tesla is looking at its Shanghai Gigafactory to boost output ahead of its assumed launch next year.
Tesla could make an announcement in October at its highly-anticipated event, where Elon Musk could usher in a new era for the brand with a “robotaxi” reveal.
Insiders have predicted that a reveal will take place at Warner Bros. Discovery’s facility near Los Angeles on October 10, rather than the brand’s Texas headquarters.
The event was believed to be previously planned for August, although October 10 is now the assumed deadline. While Tesla has kept quiet about the project, experts are confident the Robotaxi will be exhibited.
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The outspoken Tesla CEO has not commented on any events in October
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Speaking during the Tesla Autonomy Day in April 2019, billionaire owner Elon Musk said the net present value of a single Robotaxi is around $200,000 (£160,550), adding that “buying a Model 3 is a good deal”.
He also claimed that there would be one million robotaxis on the road, although this plan was later ditched.
