Tesla CEO attacks Europe over delays in self-driving

Tesla had spearheaded industry efforts to reform regulations as it looked to expand its FSD software into Europe, a potential step toward Musk’s plans to deploy fleets of fully autonomous ‘robotaxis’ around the world launch.

It had hoped the process would pave the way for the widespread adoption of advanced driver assistance systems in Britain and the EU. However, UNECE recently adopted a stripped-down version of the rules aimed at more basic maneuvers, such as cars automatically changing lanes on highways.

Broader rules that would have allowed the FSD systems to travel through busy cities are now not expected for years.

“Unfortunately, the decision was made to postpone some of these capabilities for urban environments – possibly until 2028(!),” Van Impe wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing his departure from Tesla.

“This has implications for Europe’s competitiveness and it is clear that the type-approval framework needs to evolve to better and faster address innovative technologies.”

Tesla has led the industry’s efforts to agree on rules for self-driving cars in the region. In recent weeks, however, the board of the auto industry group working on the rules has been handed over to representatives from BMW and Wayve, the British self-driving car company.

Mr. Van Impe, who played a key role in Tesla’s efforts, has moved to Musk’s SpaceX to work on policy issues.

Just last month, Mr Musk had said that Tesla planned to launch FSD in Europe in the first few months of 2025, although this would be subject to regulations.