Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, has stated that he is confident the European Union will soon approve the company's Full Self-Driving system. However, emails from several European regulatory bodies indicate significant skepticism regarding the technology and its claimed safety benefits.
In April of this year, the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW) approved Tesla's FSD technology. The RDW is currently seeking EU-wide certification for the system, with a key committee hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
Securing approval for Full Self-Driving in Europe is critical for Tesla Motors as the company attempts to regain market share in the region. The electric vehicle manufacturer offers the FSD feature as a monthly subscription service. While the system enables autonomous driving under specific road conditions, it requires the driver to remain highly attentive at all times.
According to reports, emails reveal that regulators in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway have raised multiple concerns about the technology. These countries hold significant influence in the process of Musk's push for FSD approval.
Issues raised by regulators include the system's tendency to exceed speed limits, its safety on icy roads, and the potential for drivers to bypass in-car functions designed to prevent mobile phone use.
Regulators have also expressed dissatisfaction with Tesla's approach, citing the company's public calls for owners to pressure regulatory bodies to approve the Full Self-Driving system.
The European Commission is scheduled to hear from Dutch officials on Tuesday regarding the rationale behind approving Tesla's FSD.
For FSD to receive formal EU approval, a committee representing 55% of EU member states and 65% of the EU population must vote in favor. No vote on FSD is scheduled for this week, with the committee's next meetings anticipated in July and October.
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