Tesla’s push to bring Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) to Europe has taken a significant step forward in Sweden. This week, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) carried out a joint site assessment test (SAT) with Tesla for the company’s upcoming FSD v14 software on Swedish roads.
This test comes after the company was denied approval earlier this year to conduct similar trials in Stockholm.
According to the agency, the SAT has now been completed and results are under review. The assessment process is expected to take between one and two weeks. If approved, Tesla will be allowed to test FSD v14 on selected highways and roads across Sweden. These early trials would represent the first official testing of FSD on public roads in the country. (via @LinkN01)
However, city driving remains a separate challenge. Urban testing requires municipal approval, and so far no Swedish city has granted permission. Södertälje, located just south of Stockholm, is viewed as a possible next candidate if the municipality approves Tesla’s application. Local community advocates are already exploring ways to encourage municipal leaders to allow the trials, which would provide Tesla with valuable urban driving data.
Previous Setbacks in Stockholm
Tesla’s progress in Sweden has not been without obstacles. Earlier this year, the company was denied permission to test FSD in Stockholm. While many assumed safety or software performance concerns were behind the rejection, the city’s Traffic Office explained that the refusal was due to resource constraints. Officials said they were overwhelmed by numerous ongoing “innovation projects” and did not have the capacity to support Tesla’s request at that time.
In its statement, the Stockholm Traffic Office noted that it was still updating its approach to automation and highlighted the risks of running a pilot across the entire city without the proper regulatory framework in place. Despite that setback, Tesla has continued to work with Swedish authorities to find new opportunities for testing.
Broader European Context
Tesla’s efforts in Sweden are part of a wider strategy to expand FSD to Europe, where regulators remain cautious about autonomous and semi-autonomous driving systems. While FSD is now available in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, China, Australia, and New Zealand, most European countries have taken a slower, more risk-averse approach.
Tesla has previously showcased FSD to a Swedish Transportation official in Germany, but so far no country in Europe has authorized public road testing.
With these tests, Sweden could therefore become one of the first, marking a breakthrough for Tesla on the continent.
If the Swedish Transport Administration approves the results of the SAT, Tesla will soon be able to test FSD v14 on specific stretches of highway. Urban testing in Södertälje or elsewhere could follow, provided local municipalities give the green light.
