Tesla FSD Beta Closer to Launching in Europe Following New UNECE Regulation

FSD Beta Headed for Europe

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Tesla is entering the next phase of autonomous driving in Europe. A significant development regarding regulation on driver control assistance systems (DCAS) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) paves the way for Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta program on the continent.

BREAKING NEWS
The new UNECE DCAS regulation was adopted a few minutes ago. Once it enters force later this year, Tesla will finally be able to expand its FSD beta to Europe and other parts of the world! 🎉

— Scrais (@Scrin_Mais) March 6, 2024

The information was shared by Scrais on X, who tagged Not a Tesla App. The X user was the first to alert us of DCAS being added to the March meeting agenda in Geneva.

The Dawn of a New Era

Scrais had been listening to the UNECE meeting and posted: "The new UNECE DCAS regulation opens doors for @Tesla's FSD beta in Europe! … With this significant milestone, let's accelerate discussing Tesla's expansion across Europe. The future of mobility awaits.”

It seems the process has accelerated, as the provisions were a late addition to the 192nd session of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, which hinted at an accelerated timeline for discussions around autonomous driving technologies in Europe.

The DCAS regulation aims to standardize advanced driver assistance technologies, ensuring safety and reliability while fitting within the SAE level 2 automation category. This aligns perfectly with Tesla’s FSD system, which requires constant driver supervision while providing advanced control of the vehicle through complicated road situations.

What Will FSD be in Europe

Adopting the DCAS regulation is a green light for Tesla to start planning to get FSD beta rolling on the streets in Europe, a process the company has been engaged with for an unknown length of time. A few days ago, a Tesla Model X was spotted in Germany equipped with what appears to be equipment to prepare for autonomous driving.

Tesla FSD Validation Vehicle seen in Munich, Germany 👀

FSD Beta in Europe soon?! 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/FsNEjaFxzh

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) February 29, 2024

But this won’t happen tomorrow. As we know, it takes time for government regulations to move through. Scrais explained that “the Secretary-General of the United Nations needs to communicate the agreement. Once this happens, we have to wait six months until the regulation enters force. Considering the timeline and required waiting period, late September or early October is realistic.”

Tesla’s FSD beta, under the new DCAS guidelines, will provide clear interfaces and guidelines to keep drivers informed and engaged at all times. This will address concerns about overreliance and misuse of autonomous driving systems. This strategic move could also enable the re-enablement of certain Autopilot features previously restricted in the region.

A special thanks to Scrais for sharing this crucial update, highlighting a hopeful leap forward for Tesla and the automotive industry.

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Tesla Adds Steering Wheel Guides for All Wheels in FSD 12.5.2

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Tesla’s latest FSD update, version 2024.27.5 brings some improvements when parking your vehicle. This is another undocumented, but one we’re happy to see.

Most recently, the Cybertruck received the undocumented change for the Hands-Free Frunk opening (video below). The Cybertruck also recently received Vision Park Assist, which included steering wheel guides in the visualization showing the direction the front and rear wheels were turned. However, it turns out this isn’t just for the Cybertruck.

Update: We’ve updated this article to mention that this feature isn’t included in update 2024.32 yet.

Quick video on the auto frunk. It's literally 🧍‍♂️📐

Works great! pic.twitter.com/QklzH5cRle

— Dirty Tesla (@DirtyTesLa) September 9, 2024

Parking Improvements

Due to the Cybertruck’s unique rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire design, Park Assist in the Cybertruck displayed the path of the front wheels, and how they would swing while reversing.

This enhancement is also coming to every Tesla vehicle in FSD 12.5.2 and later. It’s also expected to be available in a future update for non-FSD vehicles. However, it’s unclear whether it will be a later revision of update 2024.32 or the next major Tesla update. This is a neat little update, as it helps drivers better understand and predict the path their vehicle will take during a turn.

Brandon, going by @teslaflexx on X, originally spotted the new visuals recently on an AMD-based Model Y running 2024.27.5 and FSD V12.5.2.

Any vehicles who are on update 2024.27.5 or 2024.27.20 should have access to this new feature.

Looks like Cybertruck wasn’t the only vehicle to get the new guide visuals with park assist. Much better than the lines! pic.twitter.com/tF9ZsWCcWy

— Brandon (@teslaflexx) September 8, 2024

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Tesla to Sell Cybertruck Battery Armor and Rock Sliders for Cybertruck

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Tesla’s Cybertruck has been used as an awesome off-road vehicle so far, with some great videos from both Tesla themselves, as well as many owners who have been challenging difficult off-road obstacles.

One frequently requested feature, however, is additional armor for the Cybertruck to improve its off-road capabilities. Wes Morril, Program Manager for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that Tesla will be introducing Battery Armor and Rock Sliders as retrofit “options” by the end of 2024.

Battery Armor

The Cybertruck’s underbody plate, while not completely unarmoured, isn’t exactly super thick, and can leave the battery exposed if the weight of the truck is left on a high-center point or a sharp rock. This upcoming battery armor will be similar to the armored undersides offered by other companies specifically for off-roading.

Rivian, for example, sells armor as a single package for $3,950 USD, or $5,800 CAD, along with a 20” wheel upgrade, full-size spare, and a utility panel including an air compressor and enough hose to let you reach any of the tires when airing up or down your tires for off-road. Tesla’s upcoming Battery Armor will be a retrofit option, unlike Rivian’s – which can only be added when purchasing the vehicle.

Rock Sliders

The Cybertruck has a simple and clean bottom corner – but that also means that it exposes the plastic trim directly. Rock sliders go on the bottom edge of off-road vehicles between the wheels to protect the vehicle's body. Rock sliders are a pretty common modification, and some companies have already begun to offer them for the Cybertruck – but a first-party OEM option is always best.

This is especially true since most third-party options use the lift points of the vehicle to attach rock sliders, which can make replacing wheels or lifting the vehicle difficult without removing the third-party additions. This adds considerable time to what should be a quick job.

Release Date

We’re looking forward to Tesla bringing these options to the Tesla store in the coming months. Wes said they’d be available as retrofits before the end of 2024, along with the upcoming Winter Tire Package, which is arriving next month. The Winter Tire Package is already available to order for Cybertruck owners.

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