In recent developments, it has come to light that electric vehicle pioneer Tesla is currently engaged in testing the latest iteration of its cutting-edge semi-autonomous driving technology on Australian roads. Although the system, known as ‘Full Self-Driving’ (FSD), has not yet received regulatory approval for public use, the company’s active testing in Australia suggests a forthcoming rollout.
The information surfaced through Teslascope, a service dedicated to monitoring Tesla software updates and vehicle modifications. Reports from Teslascope last year indicated that Tesla was actively conducting tests of its Full Self-Driving technology on local Australian roads. In a recent post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Teslascope disclosed that the current testing phase involves the latest version of FSD, denoted as ‘version 12’ or ‘v12.’
Full Self-Driving version 12 was initially introduced in the United States late last year, marking a significant milestone in Tesla’s autonomous driving pursuits. This version notably eliminated the ‘beta’ designation and incorporated substantial changes, including the removal of over 300,000 lines of code. The update shifted the car’s decision-making process from code-based judgments to a reliance on real-time visual inputs from the vehicle’s cameras and sensors.
Despite the availability of Full Self-Driving for pre-purchase by Tesla vehicle owners in Australia, priced at $10,100, the system remains inaccessible for installation in locally-delivered cars until regulatory bodies grant approval for use on public roads. The exact timeline for when Full Self-Driving will receive such approval in Australia remains uncertain.
According to Teslascope, Tesla’s decision to actively test the latest FSD technology in the Australian market indicates the company’s strategic preparations for a future rollout of the system. This commitment to on-road testing underscores Tesla’s dedication to ensuring the technology’s seamless integration with local driving conditions and regulatory requirements.
Moreover, Teslascope reported that Tesla is also conducting tests of the ‘Actually Smart Summon’ (ASS) feature on Australian roads, in addition to overseas testing. The ASS feature allows Tesla owners to summon their vehicles using a smartphone application, representing an advanced form of remote vehicle control. However, the official rollout of this function to Tesla owners is pending, and its current testing phase suggests that the company is actively refining the technology before its public release.
While Tesla enthusiasts and owners eagerly await the regulatory approval of Full Self-Driving in Australia, the ongoing testing efforts by the company indicate a strategic move towards global expansion of autonomous driving capabilities. Tesla’s commitment to refining and perfecting these technologies through real-world testing underscores its dedication to delivering cutting-edge advancements in the electric vehicle sector.
In conclusion, Tesla’s testing of Full Self-Driving version 12 in Australia, along with the trials of Actually Smart Summon, signifies the company’s forward-thinking approach in revolutionizing the automotive industry. As the world anticipates the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technologies, Tesla’s proactive steps in the Australian market underscore its commitment to ensuring the seamless integration and regulatory compliance of these innovations on a global scale.
