Autopilot different in Europe
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW plans to issue no call-back for Teslas in Europe following a major recall in the States due to concerns about the marque’s driver-assistance systems.
The RDW says there are differences between Autopilot functions in the European and American markets.
Among European vehicle authorities, the Netherlands’ RDW issues the type – or general approval – for Teslas. Its approval applies to other EU markets.
Last week, Tesla filed a recall covering about two million units in the US after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined Autopilot, pictured, doesn’t do enough to prevent misuse.
Teslas are classified in the US and Europe as having level two or “partial driving automation” on the industry’s five-point scale with level five being fully autonomous. Level two means drivers must keep their hands on the wheel and their full attention on the road.
There are differences between the US and the EU as to what is allowed at level two, says an RDW spokesperson, “for example, in how driver monitoring is done and the warning given to the driver when the system is abused”.
Tesla’s steering functions in Europe are tested against United Nations standards, not US rules, adds the RDW.
The US recall is the result of a year-long defect investigation by the NHTSA that will remain open it monitors the efficacy of Tesla’s fixes.
A spokesperson for the NHSTA says the probe found that Tesla’s means for keeping drivers engaged are inadequate and could lead to “foreseeable misuse”.
“Specifically, the investigation found Tesla’s design of its Autopilot system can provide inadequate driver engagement and usage controls.”
Tesla plans to update software in the US with extra controls and alerts to ensure drivers pay attention while steering-assist functions are being used.
The recall in the States is the second of 2023 involving Tesla’s automated-driving systems and come under escalating scrutiny after hundreds of crashes, some of which resulted in deaths.
While chief executive officer Elon Musk has for years predicted his company is on the brink of offering full autonomy, Autopilot and the beta features Tesla markets as Full Self-Driving require a fully attentive motorist to keep their hands on the wheel.
Autopilot comes as standard on every new Tesla. It uses cameras to match vehicle speed with surrounding traffic and assists motorists with steering in clearly marked lanes.
