Tesla Inc is poised to adjust pricing for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software subscription as its autonomous driving capabilities progress, according to CEO Elon Musk's recent announcement. Currently, the subscription option for supervised FSD is set at $99 per month, but Musk indicated this rate will escalate in tandem with improvements to the system.
Tesla is transitioning away from selling FSD as a one-time purchase, currently priced at $8,000, which remains available until February 14. After that date, the offering is expected to be exclusively subscription-based.
In a public social media communication, Musk emphasized that the significant price increase will coincide with the introduction of unsupervised FSD, a mode allowing users to engage in activities such as using their phones or sleeping during the ride. Despite Musk's long-standing promotion of unsupervised FSD, the company has yet to disclose a definitive timeline for its rollout.
At present, Tesla's website continues to display the supervised use disclaimer for the FSD system. This cautionary note remains as Tesla faces multiple lawsuits and increased regulatory examination concerning its claims about the software’s current autonomous capabilities.
Musk has highlighted robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles as pivotal elements in Tesla’s future growth strategy. This focus has intensified as Tesla confronts slowing sales within its primary automotive sector.
The company is actively testing driverless robotaxis in Austin, Texas, and has commenced trials of the service without an onboard human safety monitor, signaling progress toward higher autonomy levels.
Further plans include production of the Cybercab, a two-seat fully autonomous vehicle slated to begin manufacturing in April. Musk previously noted that the initial production phases for this vehicle and Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot will be "agonizingly slow," reflecting the challenges associated with deploying cutting-edge technologies.