While Tesla has just deployed in the USA and Canada version 10.11.1 of its FSD and is already preparing a 10.12, Elon Musk announces that its autonomous driving software will arrive in Europe by this summer
What is the SDF?
Full Self Driving. You often hear about autonomous driving, and here we are. Tesla has been testing its FSD software for a few months via a beta program with owners with exemplary driving behavior. The car is supposed to be able to drive on its own, not only on the highway but also in the city.
Remember that there are 5 levels of autonomous driving
- Driving assistance such as lane crossing or emergency braking, the driver remains in control
- Partially autonomous driving but the driver is responsible for driving and must hold the steering wheel
- Autonomous driving, in some situations the driver can disengage from driving and let go of the steering wheel
- Fully autonomous driving, the car drives itself most of the time. The driver can regain control
- The car drives 100% by itself, the occupants are only passengers, the steering wheel is not necessary
Today in France we have level 2 with Tesla autopilot. The goal is to move to level 3.
Bernard Maltais in Quebec City gives us a demonstration in French aboard his Model 3. The result is quite impressive, the environment and the other vehicles are well modeled. Not everything is perfect but it is much better than what we have in France. Incomparable even.
It is funny to see that the GPS gives the instructions “turn left” when it is not the driver who directs the car. It is possibly possible to cut the instructions but it may be reassuring to know which direction the car will take.
You will also notice that the modeling of the road (the left part of our screen) can be displayed in full screen, it is in my opinion more gadget than anything else, at least the user has the choice.
When will Tesla autonomous driving France?
For autonomous driving to be possible in France for all, several criteria must be met:
- Authorisation granted in Europe: Amendment planned for 14 July 2022
- FSD beta deployed in Europe by Tesla: Announced for this summer
- Learning new signs, roads, priorities: In progress and will be carried out in the field after deployment
- Widespread deployment on all Teslas
There are still many steps before it is available to everyone and the pitfalls are numerous. Remember that Elon Musk is often very optimistic about schedules. When he announces “summer 2022” I translate this as “sometime in 2023”, time will tell who was right.
For the wink, check out the Elon Time Convertor website, you will understand that this man lives in another space-time 🙂
Elon Musk’s announcement is made via Twitter, his preferred medium:
“FSD Beta should be available in Europe for LHD* this summer, RHD* a few months later. These dates are subject to regulatory approval. »
* LHD = Left Hand Drive = Left-hand drive
* RHD: Right Hand drive = Right hand drive
What do you think? Does autonomous driving make you dream? Do you think it will be available in beta in France this summer?
