EU Regulators Question Tesla’s Self-Driving Claims as Approval Process Advances

Fez – European regulators are raising fresh concerns about the safety of Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system, casting doubt on the company’s push to expand the technology across the European Union.

Internal correspondence reviewed by Reuters shows that authorities in several northern European countries remain unconvinced about the system’s readiness, despite recent approval in the Netherlands. 

The scrutiny comes at a critical time for Tesla, which is seeking to recover lost market share in Europe and position its automated driving software as a key revenue driver.

The company’s chief executive, Elon Musk, has publicly expressed confidence that wider approval is imminent. 

According to Reuters, he said the system would soon be cleared in multiple countries, paving the way for future driverless services, including robotaxis. 

However, regulators’ internal exchanges suggest a more cautious approach.

Authorities in countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway have identified several unresolved issues. 

Among them are concerns about the system’s tendency to exceed speed limits, its reliability in harsh weather conditions such as icy roads, and the risk that drivers may bypass safeguards designed to ensure attention behind the wheel.

Officials have also expressed frustration with Tesla’s broader strategy, particularly its encouragement of vehicle owners to advocate publicly for regulatory approval. 

Some regulators view this approach as adding pressure to a process intended to remain strictly technical and evidence-based.

The Dutch road authority, which approved the system in April, is now preparing to present its case to an EU committee. 

The meeting marks an early step in a longer process that will require support from a qualified majority of member states before any bloc-wide authorization can be granted.

Despite the Netherlands’ backing, several countries have indicated they will wait for detailed technical documentation before forming a position. 

In some cases, regulators noted they were approached by Tesla even before receiving full information about the system.

At stake is more than regulatory clearance. The “Full Self-Driving” feature, offered as a subscription, is central to Tesla’s long-term strategy in Europe. 

Yet for now, the path to approval remains uncertain, shaped by growing scrutiny and a cautious regulatory environment.