Model 3

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

Tesla's long-awaited Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assist system is finally here for a monthly cost instead of a one-time payment. Announced by CEO Elon Musk late last year, FSD is only compatible with vehicles equipped with FSD computer hardware 3.0 or above. They must also have either Basic or Enhanced Autopilot configurations.

A hardware upgrade will get their vehicles FSD-compatible costs $1,500. Those whose cars are properly equipped can buy an FSD subscription for either $99 per month (Basic Autopilot) or $199 per month (Enhanced Autopilot). Customers can cancel at any time. This would be instead of paying the $10,000 one-time payment, which was the only way one could get FSD until now. Tesla began sending out over-the-air software updates for FSD version 9 earlier this month, so we knew then a monthly subscription option would be coming soon.

Now, it's vital to remember that FSD is not Level 5 self-driving, though that's the ultimate goal. Like Autopilot, which is ranked at Level 2, the driver must still pay attention to what's going on; the vehicle cannot completely drive by itself without a human being behind the wheel. All current vehicles, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, can have FSD, assuming they're configured correctly. Future models, like the Cybertruck, will presumably have the option as well.

FSD is several systems packed into one as it includes the following: Navigation on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, Full Self-Driving Computer, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. Autosteer on City Streets is due to arrive sometime later this year.

Again, it is still the driver's full responsibility to maintain control, and it even says so on Tesla's official website:

"These features are designed to become more capable over time; however the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous. The currently enabled features require a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment."

Tesla wants FSD to utilize cameras only instead of Lidar, which is what Waymo and other self-driving rivals rely on. Recent regulatory statements reveal Tesla is aware it may not achieve true full self-driving capability over the next year but rather it could be a multi-year process. It will also require regulatory approval.