Tesla's European Surge: September Registrations Show Strong Growth

Recent data indicates a significant uptick in Tesla vehicle registrations across Europe during September. This trend suggests growing consumer interest and adoption of electric vehicles on the continent, with Tesla leading the charge.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is noted for its impressive highway performance and learning capabilities.

• Areas for improvement in FSD include its handling of complex signage and certain driving etiquette scenarios.

• The data points to a positive trajectory for Tesla's market presence in Europe.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving: A Closer Look

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is currently considered one of the most advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance systems available. After three weeks of extensive use, the system demonstrates remarkable capabilities, particularly on highways, where it has performed without critical interventions even in congested traffic. Users have reported that the "Hurry" setting often mirrors real-world traffic flow more closely than the "Standard" setting, which can be overly cautious.

The system has also shown a capacity for learning and improvement. An example cited involves FSD's initial struggle with "Except Right Turn" stop signs, a regional peculiarity. After a user submitted feedback, subsequent encounters with similar signs were handled correctly, indicating Tesla's commitment to refining the software based on real-world data.

Areas for Enhancement

Despite its strengths, the FSD system still has room for improvement. The automatic wipers, for instance, are frequently noted for their inconsistent performance, often being either too fast or too slow, with occasional single wipes at seemingly random times, sometimes triggered by specific road features like overhanging branches.

Furthermore, FSD encounters challenges with signs that require interpretation beyond simple recognition. "Stop Here on Red" signs, especially when recessed from an intersection, have proven difficult for the system, sometimes leading to abrupt braking. While FSD can recognize standard stop and yield signs, more complex instructional signage presents a greater hurdle.

User experience also highlights instances where FSD's driving style deviates from personal preference. This includes adopting lanes for cutting ahead at traffic lights, even when not necessary, and lingering in the left or passing lane when the right lane is clear. While these are subjective preferences and not necessarily illegal, they point to areas where user control and customization could enhance the overall experience.

European Market Outlook

The reported increase in Tesla registrations across Europe in September is a positive indicator for the company's expansion and the broader adoption of electric vehicles. As the technology continues to evolve and address current limitations, Tesla is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the European market.