Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Software Expands to Lithuania Amid Broader Ambitions for AI Dominance
In a significant stride toward its global ambitions, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software has officially launched in Lithuania, marking only the second European country to approve the advanced driver-assistance system. This milestone comes as Tesla CEO Elon Musk seeks to reposition the company not merely as an automaker but as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The approval in Lithuania follows the Netherlands’ groundbreaking decision to greenlight FSD last month, underscoring Tesla’s methodical yet cautious approach to navigating Europe’s stringent regulatory landscape. While the software is already available in several markets outside the continent—including the United States, Canada, and China—its rollout in Europe represents a critical step in Tesla’s long-term strategy. For Musk, the stakes are high, with his $1 trillion pay package contingent on achieving ambitious product goals, including securing 10 million active FSD subscriptions by 2035.
The Road to Lithuania: Tesla’s European Push
Tesla’s FSD Supervised, first introduced in beta in late 2020, has evolved significantly since its inception. The software, which requires active driver supervision, enables functionalities such as steering, lane changes, and parking while continuously improving through regular updates. In January 2026, Musk announced a shift to a subscription-only model, phasing out the one-time payment option. The monthly subscription currently costs $99, a move that aligns with Tesla’s strategy to create recurring revenue streams.
The European rollout, however, has been slower than in other regions. Regulatory scrutiny, which prioritizes safety and compliance, has traditionally delayed the deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous technologies on the continent. The Dutch regulator RDW, which oversaw the first European approval, has sought to expedite the process by petitioning for EU-wide acceptance of FSD. If successful, this could pave the way for a broader rollout across the bloc.
In the meantime, individual European countries can recognize Dutch certification, allowing Tesla to expand its footprint. Lithuania’s approval signals a growing momentum, with Greece and Belgium reportedly next in line. The Greek transport ministry recently announced plans to include FSD in an upcoming legislative bill, while Belgium is expected to follow the RDW’s authorization framework.
A Global Strategy with Local Challenges
While Lithuania’s approval is a win for Tesla, the company faces a formidable challenge in scaling FSD adoption. During its first-quarter earnings call in April 2026, Tesla revealed it had nearly 1.3 million paying FSD customers worldwide—a figure far short of Musk’s 10 million target.
The cautious rollout in Europe contrasts sharply with Tesla’s approach in the United States, where FSD has been available for years. Critics argue that Europe’s rigorous regulatory environment ensures higher safety standards but at the cost of technological innovation. Tesla, however, views this as an opportunity to refine its software and build trust with regulators and consumers alike.
Beyond Europe, FSD is operational in Australia, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the United States. Each market presents unique regulatory and infrastructural challenges, requiring Tesla to adapt its strategy accordingly.
Musk’s Broader Vision: Beyond Cars
FSD Supervised is just one piece of Musk’s grand vision to transform Tesla into an AI and robotics powerhouse. The company has been testing FSD Unsupervised, a fully autonomous version of the software, in a limited fleet of robotaxis operating in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, this version remains unavailable to the general public, reflecting the regulatory and technological hurdles facing fully autonomous vehicles.
Tesla’s ambitions extend beyond the road. The company’s Optimus humanoid robot, unveiled in 2022, represents another frontier in Musk’s quest to integrate AI into everyday life. While Optimus remains in the prototype phase and is not yet in mass production, it exemplifies Tesla’s commitment to expanding its technological footprint.
The Path Forward
As Tesla navigates the complexities of global regulation, its success hinges on balancing innovation with compliance. The approval in Lithuania is a testament to the company’s ability to adapt to diverse regulatory environments, but the journey is far from over. With Greece and Belgium poised to follow suit, Tesla’s European expansion could gain momentum, setting the stage for broader adoption across the continent.
For Musk, the stakes are not just financial but existential. Achieving his vision requires not only scaling FSD subscriptions but also demonstrating the safety and reliability of Tesla’s autonomous technologies. As the company inches closer to its goals, the world watches to see whether Tesla can redefine mobility—and prove itself as a leader in AI and robotics.
In the meantime, Tesla’s cautious yet determined approach suggests a recognition of the challenges ahead. While the road to 10 million subscribers is long, Lithuania’s approval is a crucial mile marker in Tesla’s journey toward reshaping the future of transportation. As Musk himself has often said, the future is not just electric—it’s autonomous. And Tesla is determined to lead the way.
