Articles tagged with "Full-Self-Driving"
Tesla now requires $99 subscription for Autosteer on Model 3 and Y
Tesla has quietly altered its driver-assistance feature offerings for the Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S. by removing Autosteer from the final vehicle configurator. Previously included in the standard Autopilot package, Autosteer—which provides lane-centering on highways and marked roads—is no longer standard; instead, only Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), which manages speed and braking but requires active steering, remains included. This change pushes buyers toward Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription, priced at $99 per month, signaling a strategic shift toward recurring software revenue rather than bundling features with the vehicle purchase. The update first appeared alongside the launch of a lower-priced Standard trim in October without formal announcement, causing confusion as Tesla’s online feature comparisons still list Autosteer for most trims, but the final purchase screen omits it. Tesla offers a 30-day FSD trial to new buyers. This move narrows the gap between basic driver assistance and F
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesladriver-assistanceFull-Self-Drivingautomotive-technologysubscription-modelTesla discontinues Autopilot in bid to boost adoption of its Full Self-Driving software
Tesla has discontinued its Autopilot branding amid regulatory pressure and in an effort to promote adoption of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. This move follows a California judge’s ruling that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing by overstating the capabilities of both Autopilot and FSD, leading to a 30-day suspension of Tesla’s manufacturing and dealer licenses in California. To comply, Tesla removed the Autopilot name, now offering new vehicles with only Traffic Aware Cruise Control as standard, while it is unclear if existing customers are affected. The company also shifted its FSD pricing model from a one-time $8,000 fee to a $99 monthly subscription, with plans to increase the subscription cost as the software improves. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence that future FSD versions will enable fully unsupervised driving, allowing drivers to engage in other activities during trips. Recently, Tesla deployed robotaxi versions of its Model Y in Austin, Texas, operating without human safety monitors but still
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaFull-Self-Drivingdriver-assistance-systemsrobotaxiautomotive-technologyMusk says new Tesla software allows texting and driving, which is illegal in most states
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced via an X post that the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software allows drivers to text while driving without triggering any warnings. This feature is controversial because texting while driving is illegal in nearly all U.S. states, with about half banning any handheld phone use while driving. Despite Musk’s claims, FSD remains a driver-assistance system rather than full vehicle autonomy, requiring drivers to stay attentive and ready to take control at any moment. Tesla uses in-cabin cameras and sensors to monitor driver engagement, but the system’s reliance on driver readiness has been linked to crashes, and Musk has previously acknowledged that Autopilot can lead to driver complacency. Regulatory scrutiny of Tesla’s FSD is intensifying. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the software following reports of it running red lights, crossing into wrong lanes, and causing crashes in low-visibility conditions. Meanwhile, Tesla faces a legal challenge from the California
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaFull-Self-Drivingdriver-assistance-systemsautomotive-technologyvehicle-safety"Big Short" Investor Michael Burry Says Tesla "Ridiculously Overvalued" - CleanTechnica
Michael Burry, the investor known for "The Big Short," has publicly stated that Tesla is "ridiculously overvalued," a position he elaborated on in his newly launched Substack column. Burry criticizes Tesla's stock-based compensation practices, arguing that these costs are not properly accounted for under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). He contends that Tesla dilutes shareholders by about 3.6% annually without conducting buybacks, which, when factored into true profit calculations, should lead to a lower valuation for the company. This perspective aligns with Warren Buffett’s earlier criticism of stock-based compensation as a real expense that companies often obscure. The article also highlights Tesla’s current critical juncture related to its Full Self Driving (FSD) technology. While some investors are optimistic that achieving truly driverless capabilities will dramatically increase vehicle demand and revenue, the technology faces significant challenges, including rising hardware and AI costs and recent accidents involving Tesla’s limited robotaxi fleet. The company is under
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaFull-Self-DrivingAIdriverless-technologyrobotaxisTesla "Full Self Driving" Peer Pressure in the Netherlands - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Tesla's ongoing efforts to introduce its "Full Self Driving" (FSD) Supervised technology in the Netherlands and the regulatory challenges it faces. Although Tesla has spent nearly a decade developing FSD and offers it as a supervised driving aid in the U.S., it is not yet approved for use in Europe. Tesla is eager to expand the technology’s availability and has been pushing for faster regulatory approval in the Netherlands, hoping that a green light there could lead to broader European acceptance. However, the Dutch safety regulator, RDW, is maintaining its standard review process and has explicitly asked Tesla fans to stop pressuring the agency, emphasizing that public input will not influence the timeline or safety evaluation. The RDW clarified that it has a schedule with Tesla, expecting a demonstration of compliance with safety requirements by February 2026, but stressed that safety remains the top priority before any approval is granted. Tesla’s call for supporters to contact the RDW was seen as an attempt to accelerate the process
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyFull-Self-DrivingEurope-regulationsTesla FSD software may not be approved by EU regulator after all
Tesla recently announced that the Dutch regulator RDW would approve its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system for use in the Netherlands by February 2026, a key milestone for expanding FSD availability across Europe. Tesla encouraged supporters to thank RDW for the anticipated approval. However, RDW clarified that Tesla is only scheduled to demonstrate the FSD Supervised system in February, and the regulator has not yet committed to granting approval. RDW emphasized that safety remains its top priority and that the timeline for approval is uncertain. Tesla’s FSD Supervised is an advanced driver assistance system available as an $8,000 upgrade to the standard Autopilot, offering features like automated steering and lane changes on highways and surface streets. Despite its name, FSD is not fully autonomous and requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and remain attentive at all times. Currently, FSD is available in several countries including the U.S., Canada, China, and Australia, but regulatory approval in Europe remains
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesladriver-assistance-systemFull-Self-Drivingautomotive-technologyEU-regulationTechCrunch Mobility: Elon Musk’s threats worked
The article discusses Elon Musk’s recently approved $1 trillion pay package from Tesla shareholders, emphasizing that the deal is less about immediate financial gain and more about Musk securing increased power and control over Tesla’s future. The package is tied to ambitious operational milestones, including reaching a $2 trillion market capitalization, delivering 20 million vehicles, achieving 10 million active Full Self-Driving subscriptions, and deploying 1 million robotaxis within the next decade. Musk’s ability to influence Tesla’s stock price through public statements, regardless of quarterly fundamentals, highlights the unique market dynamics surrounding the company. Additionally, Musk used the shareholder meeting to outline future plans, such as starting production in April and potentially building a large semiconductor fabrication plant. He also postponed the release of Tesla’s long-anticipated prototype vehicle to April 1, 2026. The article briefly touches on other mobility sector news, including Beta Technologies’ IPO, which raised $1 billion at a $7.4 billion valuation, and Archer Aviation’s stock offering
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaelectric-vehiclesrobotaxisemiconductor-fabricationFull-Self-DrivingWestward Ho 2025 in Our Tesla Model 3 - CleanTechnica
The article "Westward Ho 2025 in Our Tesla Model 3" by Fritz Hasler chronicles the author’s experiences traveling between his two homes—in Northern Wisconsin and Utah—using a Tesla Model 3 equipped with Full Self Driving (FSD) Supervised mode. Over six years and twelve trips covering 1,551 miles each way, Hasler, now 85, has relied heavily on FSD to ease the demands of long-distance driving, especially given his physical limitations from a past accident. The family often transports two e-bikes on a rear carrier, which became a focal point of a recent issue when the Tesla’s rear camera was obstructed, disabling FSD. After research and trial, Hasler discovered that taping over the camera lens with black electrical tape restored FSD functionality, despite the counterintuitive nature of this fix. The article also highlights a recurring challenge with FSD Supervised: the system requires the driver to maintain attention on the road and the control screen
energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-Model-3Full-Self-Drivingebikesclean-transportationautonomous-drivingThe Less Expensive, De-Contented Teslas Are Here - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Tesla's introduction of lower-priced "Standard" versions of the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, following the end of federal electric vehicle incentives in the US, which increased prices by $7,500 for many EVs. Tesla's Model Y Standard, priced at $39,900, is $5,000 cheaper than the previous rear-wheel-drive version and features a single motor, 321-mile range, 125 mph top speed, and 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds. However, cost-cutting measures include cloth upholstery replacing faux leather, limited color options (primarily black interior), and the removal of certain features like the rear passenger screen, AM/FM radio, and advanced suspension dampers. Notably, the panoramic glass roof remains but is covered by a cloth headliner, potentially allowing future modification. Additionally, Tesla released Full Self Driving (FSD) Supervised Version 14.1, which offers new features such as selectable parking options
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautonomous-drivingFull-Self-Drivingautomotive-technologyelectric-car-incentivesTesla is seeking permits to offer ride-hail services at Silicon Valley airports
Tesla has initiated inquiries with the San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland airports regarding permits to operate a ride-hailing service at these locations. This move coincides with Tesla’s recent launch of a limited charter service in California, which currently lacks the necessary permits to function as a full ride-hail or robotaxi network. While Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is being used in these charter rides, it remains a supervised driver assistance system requiring driver attention and is not fully autonomous. To expand into a broader ride-hail service in California, Tesla must obtain permits from the California Public Utilities Commission and potentially the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is presently challenging Tesla’s self-driving claims and vehicle sales in the state. Airports represent a lucrative market for ride-hailing and autonomous vehicle services, as demonstrated by companies like Waymo, which has operated autonomous rides at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport for two years and recently received approval to do so at San Jose airport. Tesla
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaride-hailingFull-Self-Drivingrobotaxitransportation-technologyThe Boring Company is finally testing Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ in its Las Vegas tunnels
The Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk, has begun testing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system within its Las Vegas tunnels that connect the Convention Center to nearby hotels. According to Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, these tests have been ongoing for several months using Tesla vehicles with safety drivers onboard. However, widespread deployment of the technology in the tunnels remains some time away, as safety drivers still need to intervene periodically. The Las Vegas tunnels, operational for about four years, currently cover a limited area but are planned for expansion. Despite Tesla’s recent small-scale robotaxi services in Austin and San Francisco, the relatively simple tunnel environment presents unique challenges for the FSD system, such as navigating passenger pick-up and drop-off points and coping with the tunnels’ colorful lighting and semi-smooth rock walls. These factors have made it difficult for the software to consistently identify safe spots, indicating that while progress is being made, full autonomy in this setting is not yet
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaFull-Self-DrivingThe-Boring-Companydriver-assistance-systemtransportation-technologyTesla Is Circling The Drain, Thanks To Stupid Elon Tricks - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant decline in Tesla’s public perception, largely attributed to Elon Musk’s contentious political actions and his fallout with former President Donald Trump. Consumer favorability toward Musk and Tesla has dropped sharply, with net negative scores of -26 and -27 respectively, and a 32-point decline in purchase intent for Tesla electric vehicles. This decline spans across political affiliations and demographics, marking the lowest recorded brand positivity for Tesla. The “Trump-Musk feud” has particularly damaged Republican support, contributing to an overall net negative view of Tesla among consumers. Additionally, there is strong public backing for increased government regulation of Musk’s companies and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, including calls to end government contracts and impose stricter advertising and safety reporting requirements. Public concern over Tesla’s FSD technology has intensified, especially following a recent fatal accident. A majority of consumers support banning FSD until its safety can be verified and advocate for mandatory use of radar and LID
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautonomous-drivingFull-Self-Drivingautomotive-technologygovernment-regulationMusk targets June 22 launch of Tesla’s long-promised robotaxi service
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company aims to launch its long-promised robotaxi service offering public rides in fully driverless Tesla vehicles in Austin, Texas, starting June 22, 2025. However, Musk noted the date could change due to Tesla’s cautious approach to safety. The initial fleet will be small, around 10 vehicles, and geofenced to the safest parts of Austin. Recent sightings of Tesla Model Y SUVs operating without drivers in the seat indicate ongoing testing of the new "unsupervised" Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which Musk claims enables Teslas to drive without human supervision. This launch marks a significant shift from Musk’s earlier promises of a general-purpose, fully autonomous driving system available nationwide. Instead, Tesla is adopting a more localized, cautious rollout strategy similar to Waymo’s approach. Despite Musk’s claim that every new Tesla is now capable of unsupervised driving, this contrasts with his 2016 statement that all Teslas had the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-technologyFull-Self-Drivingdriverless-carsTesla’s robotaxi plans have the attention of federal investigators
robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclesTeslaFull-Self-DrivingtransportationNHTSA