Introduction
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has received regulatory approval to be activated in the Netherlands, making it the first country in Europe to allow the advanced driver assistance feature on public roads. This milestone has generated significant interest among EV enthusiasts and safety advocates alike. One of the first to test FSD in the country is Dick Helders of XpengCam, a friend of CleanTechnica and a unique observer who has also experienced VLA 2.0 in China. His initial drives, documented in two videos, reveal a mix of promising capabilities and concerning shortcomings that raise important questions about FSD's readiness for European road conditions.
First Impressions: The Test Routes
The test was conducted in two parts. Part 1 navigated semi-urban areas around the town of Arnhem, Netherlands, while Part 2 covered more suburban roads. The videos, which are available on YouTube, provide a detailed look at how FSD handles Dutch infrastructure. While the system demonstrated competence in some scenarios, it also exhibited behaviors that could be problematic in real-world traffic.
Narrow Roads and Lane Positioning
One of the most notable issues arose on narrow roads that lack a center line but have dotted lines on both sides. In the Netherlands, such roads require vehicles to move to the right of the dotted lines when passing oncoming traffic to ensure adequate clearance. However, the Tesla tended to stay to the left of the dotted lines, forcing oncoming vehicles to veer dangerously close to the edge of the road. In one instance, a wide bus approached, and the Tesla did move over somewhat to avoid a collision, but the maneuver was described as a 'game of chicken' that made the driver uneasy and likely agitated other road users.
Speed Limit Compliance
The system also struggled with speed limits, frequently traveling at incorrect speeds. This is a critical safety concern, as speed limit adherence is fundamental to safe driving. The inconsistencies suggest that FSD's mapping and recognition of speed signs may not be fully optimized for European roads, which often have different signage and traffic patterns compared to the United States.
Lack of Co-Driving Capability
Another limitation highlighted by Helders is the on/off nature of FSD, which does not allow the kind of co-driving seen in VLA 2.0 in China. In VLA 2.0, the driver can influence the intelligent driving system without fully disengaging it, providing a smoother and more collaborative experience. With FSD, the driver must either let the system operate autonomously or take over completely, which can be less intuitive and more stressful in complex situations.
Parking and Traffic Light Recognition
During the test, FSD also parked in illegal spaces on several occasions, indicating a lack of awareness of local parking regulations. More concerning was the system's failure to recognize changing stoplights multiple times. The Netherlands has a higher density and complexity of traffic lights than most parts of the US, and the system appeared confused about which light to observe, potentially leading to dangerous intersections.
Lane Selection and Merging
FSD also demonstrated poor lane selection, often merging across multiple lanes at the last second to make a turn. While this might be manageable in less congested areas, it could become a serious problem in large cities with dense traffic, where such maneuvers are risky and could lead to collisions.
Software Crash
At the end of Part 2, FSD experienced a software crash, causing the system to stop working and lock the driver out. The cause of the crash was unclear, as the car was not in extreme weather or road conditions at the time. Fortunately, the system gave adequate advanced notice for the driver to take over, and no accident occurred. However, the incident raises concerns about the reliability of FSD in real-world driving scenarios.
Implications for European Rollout
These initial findings suggest that while FSD has made significant progress, it still faces substantial challenges in adapting to European driving environments. The Netherlands, with its unique road designs, dense traffic signals, and strict traffic rules, presents a demanding test. The issues observed—lane positioning, speed compliance, traffic light recognition, and software stability—are fundamental to safe driving and must be addressed before FSD can be considered ready for wider European deployment.
Conclusion
The activation of FSD in the Netherlands is a landmark step for Tesla, but the early test drives highlight critical areas for improvement. As FSD expands to more countries, it will be essential for Tesla to refine the system to handle diverse road conditions and ensure the safety of all road users. The feedback from early adopters like Dick Helders will be invaluable in guiding these improvements. For now, the question remains: is FSD truly ready for European roads? The evidence suggests that more work is needed.
This article is based on reporting by CleanTechnica. Read the original article.
Originally published on cleantechnica.com
