Elon Musk’s Tesla has attacked Britain over driverless car laws that it says will “stifle innovation” and result in the UK falling behind the rest of the world.

In a submission to the Department for Transport (DfT), Tesla warned that the rules “risk eroding brand confidence and deterring investment in the UK”, according to The Telegraph.

It is the latest clash between Tesla and the Government, and the carmaker has previously criticised officials over plans to water down electric vehicle laws.

Tesla’s comments came in response to laws being introduced in Britain that will require vehicles that call themselves self-driving to be completely autonomous.

The US firm’s “full self-driving system” (FSD) has not been approved in the UK. An impact assessment published by the Government said Tesla would have to remove references to “self-driving” if it introduced the technology in the UK.

Tesla vehicles in the US and some European countries – equipped with FSD technology – are able to complete journeys from start to finish while the driver has their hands off the wheel, although they must pay attention and be ready to take over. A more restricted version currently available in the UK requires drivers to keep hands on the wheel.

Responding to a government consultation on self-driving cars, Tesla said: “Forcing companies to alter established brand names and terminology risks eroding brand confidence and deterring investment in the UK.

“The Government’s draft [statutory instrument] will, if laid, confuse consumers, stifle innovation and increase costs for businesses.”

It also warned that the legislation “risks creating confusion for consumers” and added: “Proscribing terms is an inflexible policy mechanism that risks the UK falling behind in a fast-paced sector.”

(Picture: Frédéric Legrand)