Tesla recently published a video showing a ‘self-driving’ Model 3 navigating the busy and dynamic streets of London.
Gliding past iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Downing Street. This is a fascinating glimpse of how Tesla’s technology copes with some of the UK’s most challenging driving environments.
https://x.com/teslaeurope/status/1948693479669788683
A second video highlights the car handling Swindon’s legendary Magic Roundabout, which is a notoriously complex system of five mini-roundabouts in a single junction. Seeing the car handle this tricky junction is a milestone moment for autonomous driving, showing just how useful it could be.
https://x.com/teslaeurope/status/1948693477069304265
This uses a system called Full Self Driving (Supervised) which is currently available in Teslas in North America.
To be specific, “Full Self Driving (Supervised) is Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system. It builds on the already popular Autopilot system, which is used by drivers around the world today.” Supported by several cameras around the vehicle, Autopilot currently allows drivers to use features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic lane changes.
Once approved for use in the UK, Full Self Driving (Supervised) will offer an even more advanced experience. Drivers will be able to witness the vehicle navigate city streets, respond to traffic lights and stop signs with greater fluidity. What’s unique about Tesla’s approach to software is that the technology will only get better over time as Tesla’s over-the-air updates can push new software updates directly to the car without it leaving the driver’s driveway.
Importantly, Tesla emphasises that Autopilot and Full Self Driving (Supervised) still require active driver supervision, however the experience does significantly reduce the workload on long commutes and in heavy traffic. Many drivers who have used Autopilot describe it as a game-changer, making journeys safer and less tiring.
While Full Self Driving (Supervised) is not yet available on UK roads, it is a great glimpse into the future of autonomous driving for everyday consumers.
Want to experience the future of driving today? Book a Tesla test drive now at Midsummer Place or Merton Drive and see Autopilot in action.
