Tesla FSD Impresses French Journalist with Mind-Blowing Experience
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology is making significant strides in Europe, particularly following a recent test drive conducted by French tech journalist Julien Cadot. Cadot's firsthand experience after an eight-year wait since the earliest Autopilot tests highlights the evolving capabilities of Tesla's autonomous driving systems. In his evaluation for Numerama, Cadot described Tesla's FSD as "mind-blowing," noting its exceptional safety features and the "humanity" displayed in its driving behaviors.
Julien Cadot's Journey with FSD
Cadot shared his anticipation of the test ride on social media platform X, writing in French: "I’m going to test Tesla’s FSD for Numerama in France. 8 years I’ve been waiting to relive the sensations of our very first contact with the unbridled Autopilot of the 2016s." His initial reactions post-test were enthusiastic, reinforcing the vehicle’s capabilities while withholding too many spoilers to maintain excitement for his upcoming video report.
In-Depth Observations from the Test Drive
During the test, Cadot was particularly impressed by specific maneuvers executed by FSD, notably its ability to safely overtake a stationary delivery truck, describing it as an action he himself would tread cautiously around to avoid damaging his vehicle's rims. Cadot highlighted how the system handled this situation flawlessly, displaying a remarkable understanding of its environment.
Moreover, he noted FSD's attention to cyclist overtaking protocols, ensuring a respectful distance of 1.5 meters by maneuvering into the opposite lane when clear—a pivotal safety feature that emphasized the system’s awareness of surrounding road conditions.
“I had the sensation that the car made its decisions based on:
- Safety
- Continuing forward
Comparison with Standard Autopilot
When prompted to compare FSD with Tesla's standard Autopilot, Cadot asserted, "It’s incomparable; it’s not the same language." He elaborated on scenarios such as bypassing a parked delivery truck by assessing safety before proceeding, a capability that mirrors human driving logic. This aspect of FSD’s functionality particularly impressed Cadot, signifying a promising evolution in the realm of autonomous driving.
FSD's European Expansion Plans
Tesla continues to pursue expansion opportunities in Europe, accelerating the rollout of FSD across various countries. Reports indicate that Tesla has received approval to operate 19 FSD test vehicles on Spain’s roads, a number expected to rise as the testing initiative advances. According to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), Tesla's FSD fleet can operate on any national route in Spain, marking a significant step in the company’s European initiatives.
Additionally, job postings hint at forthcoming FSD trials in Austria, along with demonstration efforts currently underway in Germany, France, and Italy. This expansion reflects Tesla's commitment to pioneering advancements in autonomous driving technology within key European markets.
The Human Element in FSD
Cadot’s impressions of FSD’s “human” edge over standard Autopilot underline a growing recognition within the tech community regarding the importance of intuitive decision-making in autonomous vehicles. As he navigated real-life urban traffic in Paris, Cadot noted how FSD demonstrated an understanding of complexity akin to that of human drivers, suggesting that Tesla's approach to FSD is not merely about technology but also about the experience of driving.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Tesla FSD in Europe
Julien Cadot's experience with Tesla's FSD (Supervised) underlines the advancements made in autonomous vehicle technology, emphasizing safety and a better understanding of road dynamics. As Tesla continues to develop and promote its FSD capabilities, both the tech community and consumers keenly await its broader rollout across Europe. With Cadot’s enthusiastic reviews and Tesla’s strategic expansion across the continent, the future of Tesla's autonomous driving technology appears bright, opening new avenues for innovation and safe driving.
