Tesla renames Full Self-Driving system in Europe

Tesla has rebranded its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to ‘Tesla Assisted Driving’ (TAD) in Europe. This change follows significant pressure from European regulators, particularly in Germany, who argued that the original name was misleading and could give drivers the false impression that the vehicle can operate entirely without human intervention.

Internal correspondence reveals that Tesla actively lobbied European authorities, including the Dutch vehicle authority RDW, to expedite and reduce the costs of assessing its driver-assistance systems. The RDW approved the system in April, and Tesla is seeking to have this approval recognized across the European Union.

Despite the rebranding, the technology remains a Level 2 assistance system. While it can manage acceleration, braking, steering, and lane changes, the driver must remain fully attentive and maintains complete responsibility for the vehicle at all times. The rebranding aims to address concerns raised by authorities in Germany, Italy, and Sweden regarding consumer perception and safety standards.