Tesla’s advanced driver assistant software will not gain regulatory approval in 2022, Chief Executive Elon Musk has said, suggesting that the company is not yet able to satisfy authorities that its cars can be driven without someone behind the wheel.

The website Automotive News reports that in a call to discuss quarterly results, Mr Musk said he expects to release upgraded “Full Self Driving” software at the end of the year, it will not have regulatory approval at that time.

The report explains Tesla sells a $15,000 software add-on called “Full Self-Driving” which enables its vehicles to change lanes and park autonomously. That complements its standard “Autopilot” feature, enabling cars to steer, accelerate and brake within their lanes without driver intervention. Mr Musk added that while its cars are not ready to have no one behind the wheel, drivers would rarely have to touch the controls.

Under present regulations the cars still need to be driven with human oversight.

(Picture – Tesla)