The highlight of FSD Beta v12 lies in its increased usage of neural networks. A neural network in artificial intelligence is akin to the human brain's network of neurons. It is a complex system that learns from large datasets - in Tesla's case, millions of video clips - to recognize patterns and make informed decisions. This machine-learning approach allows the system to adapt and improve continuously.
Neural networks are already used for determining surroundings, detecting objects, and more, but FSD v12 will be the first time Tesla adds neural networks that control the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and steering. According to Musk, FSD Beta v12 features end-to-end neural networks, meaning that these AI networks are used for everything, from vehicle input (cameras) to vehicle output (steering).
Tesla will be able to replace more than 300,000 lines of explicit code with these new networks.
Release Notes
Release notes for FSD Beta v12 were never obtained, however, the release notes for v12.1 confirm the use of neural networks for vehicle control.
The release notes are short, but hopefully, Tesla will expand them to offer additional details before v12 goes out to customers. The release notes currently only include one feature that states:
“FSD Beta v12 upgrades the city-streets driving stack to a single end-to-end neural network trained on millions of video clips, replacing over 300k lines of explicit C++ code.”
FSD Beta v12 Livestream
The public got an early glimpse of FSD v12's potential back in August 2023, when Musk live-streamed his vehicle driving with an alpha version of v12 on X.
The livestream wasn't without its share of issues, but it showed off some of its capabilities of v12 and it appeared to be at least on par with FSD Beta v11, even at this early stage.
Release Timeline and Inclusion of Updates
While the exact timeline for FSD Beta v12's release to public testers remains unknown, the expansion to additional employees is a promising sign. FSD Beta v12.1 is currently Tesla update 2023.44.30.10, although we'll likely see additional releases before it goes out to public testers.
Back in June of 2023, Musk said that FSD would finally graduate out of beta with FSD v12, however, the release notes for v12.1 clearly state "FSD Beta v12.1." Musk's goal could be for FSD to come out of beta with an eventual v12 release, but at this time it looks like FSD will remain in beta - at least in its current state.
FSD Beta v12.1 Video
It looks like we're not the only ones excited about the release of FSD Beta v12.
A video of FSD Beta v12.1 has been published online by an apparent employee. You can watch the video below.
Keep in mind that with major changes to FSD Beta, there are often regressions as well, and it usually takes several revisions to iron out major issues.
FSD Beta v12 is a fundamental shift in how the vehicle is controlled and represents an exciting future for Tesla and its FSD ambitions.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
The road to bringing FSD to Europe has been a long and complex one and filled with regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles. Elon Musk, as well as other members of Tesla’s AI team, have previously voiced their grievances with the regulatory approval process on X.
However, it appears that there is finally some progress in getting things moving with recent changes to upcoming autonomy regulations, but the process still seems slow.
Waiting on the Dutch
Elon commented on X recently, stating that Tesla is waiting for approval from Dutch authorities and then the EU to start rolling out FSD in Europe. Tesla is focusing on acquiring approvals from the Dutch transportation authority, which will provide them with the platform they need to gain broader acceptance in Europe. Outside of the Netherlands, Tesla is also conducting testing in Norway, which provides a couple of avenues for them to obtain national-level approval.
The frustration has been ongoing, with multiple committee meetings bringing up autonomy regulation but always pulling back at the last second before approving anything. The last meeting on Regulation 157, which governs Automated Lane Keeping Systems, concluded with authorities from the UK and Spain requesting additional time to analyze the data before reaching a conclusion.
Tesla, as well as Elon, have motioned several times for owners to reach out to their elected representatives to move the process forward, as it seems that Tesla’s own efforts are being stymied.
This can seem odd, especially since Tesla has previously demoed FSD working exceptionally smoothly on European roads - and just did it again in Rome when they shared the video below on X.
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) June 12, 2025
DCAS Phase 3
While the approval process has been slow, Kees Roelandschap pointed out that there may be a different regulatory step that could allow FSD to gain a foothold in Europe.
According to Kees, the European Commission is now taking a new approach to approving ADAS systems under the new DCAS Phase 3 regulations. The Commission is now seeking data from systems currently operational in the United States that can perform System-Initiated Maneuvers and don’t require hands-on intervention for every request.
This is key because those are two of the core functionalities that make FSD so usable, and it also means that there may not be a need to wait years for proper regulations to be written from scratch. Now, the Commission will be looking at real-world data based on existing, deployed technology, which could speed up the process immensely.
What This Means
This new, data-driven regulatory approach could be the path for Tesla to reach its previous target of September for European FSD. While the cogs of bureaucracy are ever slow, sometimes all it takes is a little data to have them turn a bit faster in this case.
Alongside specific countries granting approval for limited field testing with employees, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for FSD in Europe, and hopes are that a release will occur by the end of 2025. With Europe now looking to North America for how FSD is performing, Tesla’s Robotaxi results could also play a role.
Tesla’s marketing has always been relatively unconventional, relying on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising. The passion of the owner’s community is always massive, but it is especially high now with the launch of the Robotaxi network just around the corner.
Tesla is now tapping into that spring of fan creativity and announced the TeslaVision video contest, with some seriously impressive prizes up for grabs.
Announcing the TeslaVision fan video showcase
Tesla owners & supporters have always been able to see our products & mission for what they truly are.
Your word of mouth has made Tesla what it is today.
The OGs will remember that in 2017, we held our first video contest. 8 years… pic.twitter.com/6pPpkqmqOH
The core of the contest is simple. Create a video that shows how your Tesla gives you more in life. Tesla is looking for submissions that highlight themes of freedom, safety, fun, and convenience.
Prizes
The prizes definitely make this contest worth entering if you’re good with a camera and have some basic video editing abilities.
For North America, the prizes include a brand new Model Y AWD Long Range, alongside an all-expenses-paid trip to Austin for a tour of Giga Texas. The grand prize winner will also be able to custom order their Model Y, allowing them to select their preferred wheels and color.
The two runners-up won’t get a Model Y, but they’ll also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Giga Texas for a tour of the factory.
The travel and tour include lodging in Austin for 2 nights, as well as economy-class round-trip tickets from anywhere in North America. Tesla will also provide a vehicle for use during the trip.
For long-time followers of Tesla, this contest may feel familiar. The contest is a direct throwback to the 2017 Project Loveday contest, which was inspired by a letter to Tesla from a 10-year-old aspiring marketer. That contest was won by MKBHD, with his submission below:
How to Enter
If you’re ready to start filming, here are the key pieces of information you’ll need to know:
Video must be 90 seconds or less
Video must be uploaded to YouTube with a public URL
Make a post on X and Instagram tagging “@Tesla” and include the words “TeslaVision contest” in the post.
Provide links to both social media posts in your submission to Tesla’s form
Provide your personal details in the form
You have until July 17th, 2025, or until Tesla receives 10,000 entries, whichever comes first.