Tesla renames Full Self-Driving to Assisted Driving in Europe
In short
Tesla has renamed its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system to Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe after German transport authorities called the previous name misleading. The company is seeking wider European approval for the driver assistance software.
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Tesla has replaced the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) name for its advanced driver assistance system in Europe with Tesla Assisted Driving, following objections from German transport authorities. TechCrunch, CNBC and Wired reported the change. Wired said Tesla began using the new wording on its European sales website on Friday and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters also reported the European renaming as Tesla pursued clearance for the software. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Germany's transport ministry described the FSD name as somewhat misleading because the system does not take over the entire driving task, CNBC reported. The ministry said it can support particular tasks, including acceleration, braking and steering, but that drivers must remain attentive at all times. TechCrunch likewise described the software as requiring people to watch the road and take over when necessary. According to TechCrunch and Wired, Tesla proposed the name change following discussions with German transport minister Steffen Bilger last month, as described in a ministry statement. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Bilger said he would now advocate for European regulators to approve the system, TechCrunch and Wired reported. TechCrunch said an EU-wide vote could take place later this year, while Wired said approval would likely be put to a vote by the end of the year. CNBC reported that the package remains branded Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in the United States, where Tesla owners can subscribe for $99 a month. CNBC also said the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating its safety in reduced visibility and whether its use led drivers to commit traffic violations, including some that resulted in collisions. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Germany's transport ministry said the system does not perform the entire driving task and drivers must remain attentive. TechCrunch and Wired reported that Germany's transport minister would advocate for European approval following discussions with Tesla.
Key facts
- Tesla changed the European name of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to Tesla Assisted Driving. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Germany's transport ministry called the FSD name somewhat misleading. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The ministry said the system assists with tasks including acceleration, braking and steering, while drivers must remain attentive. [ 4 ]
- Tesla offered the name change after discussions with German transport minister Steffen Bilger last month, according to reports citing a ministry statement. [ 3 , 5 ]
- CNBC reported that the US version retains the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) name and costs $99 a month. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The timing and outcome of an EU-wide approval vote remain unsettled. TechCrunch said a vote could occur later this year; Wired said it would likely occur by year-end, without reporting a final decision.