After an 18-month regulatory review process, Tesla appears poised to receive approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in Europe. An anticipated Dutch approval, expected in early April, could pave the way for a phased rollout across the continent.
The path to European approval has required significant effort from Tesla, navigating a regulatory landscape considerably stricter than those in the United States or China. Over the last 18 months, the company has logged over 1.6 million kilometers of driving on European roads, completed approximately 13,000 test drives with customers, and simulated over 4,500 traffic scenarios in a closed-course environment to replicate unpredictable real-world conditions. This work was supported by thousands of pages of technical documentation addressing more than 400 regulatory requirements.
Tesla collaborated closely with the RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority known for its rigorous standards. The company announced it has completed the final phase of testing required under UN R-171 and submitted all necessary documentation. The RDW is currently conducting an internal review.
April Target Date, With Some Uncertainty
Approval was initially anticipated for March 20, but has been revised to April 10. While this represents a slight delay, it underscores the inherent timelines of regulatory procedures, independent of the company’s commercial ambitions. The news comes as Tesla seeks to regain momentum in the European market.
If the Netherlands grants approval, other European countries could recognize the homologation at the national level, facilitating a broader rollout. Tesla also suggests the possibility of EU-wide approval by summer, though this remains a future prospect.
The system slated for release is the “supervised” FSD, meaning the driver remains responsible and must remain attentive. Full autonomous driving capabilities are still under development, despite rapid technological advancements.
A Pressured Market, An Unclear Commercial Equation
The potential arrival of FSD in Europe is timely for Tesla, which experienced significant sales declines in several European countries throughout 2025, according to reports. Autonomous driving features are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, a factor Tesla recognizes.
Pricing remains a key consideration. Currently priced at 7,500 euros for direct purchase, the system may also be offered as a monthly subscription around 100 euros. A subscription model could broaden access to the technology and offer greater flexibility for users.
However, Tesla will face competition. Manufacturers like Xpeng and Xiaomi are entering the European market with comparable systems, potentially at lower prices or even included as standard equipment.
