Tesla has received approval from Slovenia to use its Full Self-Driving driver-assistance system on the country’s roads, giving the electric-car maker a regulatory boost as European authorities consider its wider expansion. 

The approval comes ahead of an important European Union decision on the technology. 

Tesla has been working to expand its driver-assistance technology outside the United States, where regulatory scrutiny of its autonomous-driving claims has remained intense. 

The company is seeking broader acceptance as it develops its strategy around self-driving vehicles and robotaxis.

The Slovenian approval is significant because European regulators have taken a cautious approach to advanced driver-assistance systems. 

Tesla’s technology is closely watched because the company has positioned autonomous driving as an important part of its future business model.

The development also comes shortly after U.S. regulators opened an investigation into Tesla’s self-certification of its Cybercab robotaxi. 

That inquiry has raised questions about whether the vehicle meets federal safety requirements before being deployed commercially.

For Tesla, progress in Europe could help strengthen confidence in its driver-assistance technology, although approval in one European country does not automatically mean unrestricted use across the continent. 

The company still faces regulatory and technical hurdles as it pursues its autonomous-driving ambitions.

Source: Reuters.