Tesla's Full Self-Driving: The Future of Autonomous Vehicles Takes Europe by Storm

Key Takeaways

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) received high praise from journalist Julien Cadot after his test drive in France.
Cadot described the FSD system as “mind-blowing,” highlighting its safety and the “humanity” of its driving behaviors.
The FSD managed complex maneuvers flawlessly, such as safely overtaking a delivery truck and maintaining a safe distance from cyclists.
Tesla is expanding FSD testing across Europe, with approvals for operations in Spain and plans for demonstrations in other countries like Austria, Germany, France, and Italy.
Cadot emphasized that FSD felt “light-years ahead” of the standard Autopilot due to its ability to make human-like decisions in driving scenarios.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology is making significant strides in Europe, capturing the attention and praises of tech enthusiasts and automotive experts like French journalist Julien Cadot. Following a highly anticipated test drive in France, Cadot hailed Tesla’s FSD system as “mind-blowing,” particularly impressed by its innovative safety features and human-like decision-making capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll delve into Cadot’s insights, highlight what sets Tesla’s FSD apart from standard Autopilot, and explore Tesla’s ambitious plans for expanding FSD testing across Europe.

The Significance of Tesla’s FSD in Europe

The automotive industry is at the cusp of a revolution, with Tesla leading the charge in autonomous driving technology. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, often compared to science fiction, is not just a concept but a palpable reality making waves across Europe. French tech journalist Julien Cadot’s recent test drive in France showcases the transformative potential of FSD.

Key Features of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving

Safety First Approach: Cadot emphasized how Tesla’s FSD prioritizes safety above all. The system successfully navigates real-world driving challenges, such as overtaking obstacles like parked delivery trucks and maintaining a safe distance from cyclists, ensuring passengers’ safety.
Human-Like Decision Making: One of the standout features of FSD, as noted by Cadot, is its ability to make decisions akin to a human driver. This includes assessing complex scenarios and selecting the best course of action instead of simply halting, which is a common trait in less advanced systems.
Complex Maneuver Handling: The FSD system excels in managing sophisticated maneuvers flawlessly. Whether it’s inching past large vehicles or handling urban traffic, the system demonstrates a level of adaptability and sophistication unparalleled by traditional driving aids like the Autopilot.

ALORS, je veux pas trop spoiler parce qu'en tant que média on a eu le droit de tout filmer et j'ai une énorme vidéo qui arrive (dont un large uncut). Mais : c'est bluffant ! Aussi bien pour la sécurité que pour "l'humanité" des choix. https://t.co/PhfdbZcUfs
— Julien Cadot (@juliencdt) December 1, 2025

Dépassement des cyclistes : le respect du 1,5 m est toujours parfait, quitte à mordre sur la voie d'en face (toujours quand c'est dégagé).

J'ai eu la sensation que la voiture prenait toujours la décision selon :

1) Sécurité
2) Continuer à avancer.
— Julien Cadot (@juliencdt) December 1, 2025

Exemple : camion de livraison garé en warning, bande blanche (non dépassable) qui sépare ta voie de celle d'en face. T'es humain, tu contrôles, tu contournes l'obstacle en tout sécurité.

Ben la voiture prends aussi cette décision.
— Julien Cadot (@juliencdt) December 1, 2025

FSD à Paris, teaser #2

pic.twitter.com/lWb7vil1wV
— Julien Cadot (@juliencdt) December 2, 2025

How Does FSD Differ from Standard Autopilot?

Tesla’s FSD system is a significant leap from the standard Autopilot, which can perform tasks such as lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. FSD, on the other hand, is designed for full autonomy. According to Cadot, the difference is akin to comparing two entirely different languages—the FSD’s ability to interact with and navigate the world is on another level.

Tesla’s Ambitious European Expansion

Tesla is not just stopping at showcasing the capabilities of its FSD system; the company is expanding its testing and demonstration footprint across Europe. Recent developments include gaining approval to operate test vehicles in Spain, with further plans to bring FSD demonstrations to Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. This rollout is indicative of Tesla’s commitment to refining and implementing FSD technology across the continent.

Looking Ahead

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system marks a significant milestone in the journey towards fully autonomous vehicles. As the technology continues to evolve, it is not just the feats of engineering that stand out, but also the potential societal impacts, ranging from improved road safety to new regulations in the sector.

Julien Cadot’s experience with Tesla’s FSD is a testament to the strides Tesla is making. As this technology becomes more accessible across Europe, it could redefine how society views transportation and autonomy in vehicles. As Tesla continues to innovate, we wait in anticipation for further advancements that could bring us closer to a world where cars drive themselves.