STOCKHOLM – What began as a polite request has now turned into an all-out political faceoff. Tesla owners in Sweden are taking matters into their own hands, launching an aggressive lobbying campaign after Stockholm officials refused to allow Full Self-Driving (FSD) testing on city roads.
The decision, seen by many as anti-innovation, has sparked a wave of open letters, viral social media posts, and even threats to vote current officials out of office in Sweden’s next municipal election.
The Push: Tesla Owners vs. Stockholm
Leading the charge is Alexander Kristensen, a Tesla owner and vocal advocate for autonomous driving. Kristensen posted a new open letter on X on June 23, calling out the city’s politically appointed traffic committee and warning that their anti-FSD stance “is fully subject to the electorate’s judgment.”
“When the City prevents tests that could validate and refine the technology locally, it is perceived as hampering life-saving innovation,” the Tesla owners wrote.
Transport Administration Opens Door — But Stockholm Slams It Shut
In a breaking development, Sweden’s National Transport Administration responded to the Tesla community, stating they’re ready to approve the tests once Tesla provides geographic details of the trial zone.
“As soon as they get the complementary information… they can proceed to grant Tesla the permit to test FSD,” Kristensen posted.
But while the federal door cracked open, Stockholm doubled down. The city responded with a firm “No”, reiterating that their position remains unchanged and Tesla’s FSD tests would not be allowed on Stockholm’s streets.
Tesla Owners Vow Election Campaign Against City Leaders
Enraged by the refusal, Tesla advocates have now escalated their campaign—turning it political.
“What happens now? The path they have chosen is the path of pain,” Kristensen wrote.
“Now, we will work in the coming election to have them replaced.”
Some users are already organizing campaign groups and pushing voter awareness ahead of next year’s local elections, with Tesla’s tech freedom at the center of their message.
Context: Tesla’s Rocky Road in Sweden
This battle is just the latest in Tesla’s ongoing struggles in Sweden:
- Since late 2023, Tesla has been in a brutal labor dispute with Swedish unions over collective bargaining.
- That standoff led to strikes, blockades, and legal action, with union workers even refusing to service Tesla vehicles.
- Despite resistance, Tesla has expanded Supercharger installations across union-backed areas, signaling it has no plans to retreat.