Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscriptions are only one or two months away, according to Elon Musk. The option to pay monthly for the FSD experience is likely to make it easier for even more Tesla vehicle owners to get involved. Tesla electric vehicles are not cheap to begin with, and even if opting for the most affordable model, the FSD upgrade significant adds to the price when purchased.
Full Self-Driving is largely one of the ultimate Tesla goals and while the feature is already available, it is currently limited to a beta. In addition, there are still legal hurdles surrounding the concept of cars driving themselves (and passengers) around on public roads, resulting in a self-driving solution that currently requires a driver to remain aware and in control. In spite of these obstacles, for those opting to to pay for the Tesla upgrade and join the beta program the cost is $10,000, on top of the initial price of the Tesla electric vehicle.
Suggestions an FSD subscription was coming have been around for some time, but it was only last month when firm indications of when came through. At the time, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the option to subscribe would arrive “early next year.” This week, Tesla released its latest quarterly results and during the follow up earnings call Musk provided an update on the time-frame, stating the option will go live in the next month or two. Although that sticks with the original 'early 2021' suggestion, it does also seemingly confirm subscriptions are still on track and that there have been no further delays since the original Tweet by Musk.
Tesla’s FSD Subscriptions Good For All Involved
Considering it costs $10,000 to add the FSD upgrade, the ability to subscribe is likely to be of major benefit. That’s not only to consumers, but also to Tesla as well. If the company relies solely on those who add the option when checking out, then the amount of usable data Tesla has access to through the beta is going to be greatly impacted. By making the price more accessible, Tesla might not only find it is able to quickly increase the number of users involved in the beta program, but it also might add extra appeal to anyone currently on the fence about purchasing a Tesla.
Of course, the program is still in a beta state and at the moment there are no indications as to when the beta period will end. While opting for the upgrade when ordering a Tesla makes sense as a way to future-proof the buyer's Tesla purchase, it remains to be seen how many current (and future) Tesla drives will want to pay a subscription fee now. Especially when they are unable to use Tesla's Full Self-Driving feature in an unlimited and unrestricted way.
Source: Tesla