17:26 27-12-2025

Germany pilots Tesla Full Self-Driving shuttle for rural mobility

Tesla has launched Europe’s first public shuttle service powered by its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in the rural district of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, Germany. The initiative is designed to improve mobility for residents in areas where public transport is scarce.

Arzfeld mayor Johannes Kuhl and district chief Andreas Kruppert personally tested the setup. They reported that FSD handled winding, narrow roads with confidence and behaved like an experienced driver. Local officials also noted that the technology proves effective not only in urban settings but in the countryside as well.

The pilot complements the Citizen Bus program, which provides rides to older people who can no longer drive. Trips on the Tesla shuttle are free for residents without other ways to get around. Together, these efforts point to a pragmatic way to close mobility gaps in sparsely populated areas.

Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Transport, Daniela Schmitt, backed the initiative, describing it as the first project of its kind in Europe. The ministry highlighted practical benefits such as shopping trips and visits to the doctor, adding that the service showcases the potential of autonomous technologies beyond major cities. For rural districts, tangible utility matters more than lofty pledges—and this trial leans into that.