/ April 13, 2026 Tesla secured a crucial regulatory victory in Europe over the weekend, yet the milestone is unfolding against a backdrop of significant operational strain. The Dutch vehicle authority RDW granted the first European approval for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, clearing a path for a wider rollout across the continent. The company immediately activated subscription models in the Netherlands, with industry observers anticipating a rapid expansion to major markets like Germany and France ahead of a planned EU-wide deployment this summer. This software advance coincides with the quiet conclusion of an era for Tesla’s flagship sedans. The company has removed the configurator for the Model S, signaling the end of regular production. A strictly limited “Signature Edition” of 250 Model S Plaid and 100 Model X Plaid units, each priced at $159,420, represents the final chapter. Purchasers of these vehicles face unusually strict terms, including a one-year resale ban. Violators could face penalties of up to $50,000 and be barred from future Tesla purchases. The strategic pivot away from these legacy models is designed to free resources for newer projects like the Cybertruck and the forthcoming Robotaxi platform. At Giga Texas, approximately 60 units of the autonomous “Cybercab” were recently spotted—the largest observed batch to date. These vehicles still feature steering wheels for testing, with series production slated to begin this month.