Tesla introduces Full Self-Driving technology in New Zealand, overcoming challenges posed by speed bumps and construction sites
Tesla's Full Self-Driving System Shines in Urban Auckland Test
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has demonstrated impressive capabilities in navigating complex urban conditions, as shown in a recent test conducted in Auckland, New Zealand. The test, which was supervised and featured a Tesla Model 3, successfully maneuvered through narrow inner-city streets, tight passages, and traffic congestion, even handling traffic cones and speed humps (known locally as judder bars).
The test, which took place in Ponsonby, a challenging inner-city area with narrow streets, parked cars on both sides, and multiple speed humps, showcased the system's ability to pause behind parked cars to yield to oncoming traffic, mimicking human polite driving behavior. The car also navigated safely around construction sites with parked trucks and traffic cones, indicating its capacity to deal with such obstacles in real-world urban settings.
The FSD system, while still requiring a driver to be ready to take control, supports hands-free operation in many urban scenarios. The testing, which has previously been conducted in Melbourne, Sydney, and the UK, suggests that Tesla's ongoing cooperation with New Zealand authorities indicates a release is imminent after successful local validation phases.
The release of the FSD video in May excited many Australian owners who have been waiting for local testing for years. The test video features the Tesla Model 3 driving autonomously in Ponsonby, Auckland, and also includes footage from Sydney, Australia, where the car was seen driving past the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Riz Akhtar, the founder of carloop in Melbourne, specializes in Australian EV data, insights, and trends. As a mechanical engineer with a passion for EVs, he aims to reduce transport emissions in Australia. Interestingly, Riz Akhtar currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
Thom Drew, the company's country director, clarified on LinkedIn that there are no regulatory blocks for the FSD software to be rolled out in right-hand-drive markets of Australia and New Zealand. Many excited Kiwis shared their observations about the complexities of driving in Ponsonby, Auckland, during the FSD test.
The test demonstrates Tesla's FSD software's capabilities in real-world driving conditions, further cementing the company's position as a leader in autonomous driving technology. In July, Tesla also released another video showcasing FSD testing in Sydney, Australia, highlighting landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
- The impressive maneuvering of the Tesla Model 3 through complex urban conditions, such as tight passages, traffic congestion, and construction sites with parked trucks and traffic cones, highlights Tesla's leading position in autonomous driving technology.
- The successful testing of Tesla's Full Self-Driving system in challenging urban areas like Ponsonby, Auckland, and Sydney, suggests a potential imminent release of the FSD software in right-hand-drive markets like Australia and New Zealand, further showcasing the versatility of Tesla's technology in real-world driving scenarios.
