Additional Coverage:
- Elon Musk confirms major shake-up for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package (digitaltrends.com)
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Feature Shifts to Subscription Model
Tesla is set to transition its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature to a subscription-only model for new vehicle purchases, effective February 14, 2026. This change, confirmed by CEO Elon Musk, will see FSD offered at a monthly rate of $99, replacing the current $8,000 upfront purchase option.
Currently, the “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” add-on allows a Tesla to “drive itself almost anywhere with minimal driver intervention.” For some drivers, the new $99 monthly subscription could offer a more financially flexible alternative. It would take approximately six and a half years of subscription payments to reach the previous $8,000 purchase price.
Musk’s announcement, made on X, indicated that Tesla will cease selling FSD as an upfront purchase after February 14.
While a specific reason for the shift to a subscription-only model has not been provided, this move significantly lowers the initial cost barrier for accessing Tesla’s advanced self-driving capabilities. Consumers will no longer need to commit to an $8,000 lump sum, allowing for a more “pay-as-you-go” approach. If a subscriber decides the feature isn’t for them, they can cancel the subscription without impacting their vehicle’s core functionality.
FSD subscriptions are available to eligible vehicle owners in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s worth noting that FSD comes included with purchases of the Model S, Model X, and the Cyberbeast variant of the Cybertruck.
Owners can verify their Autopilot configuration through their vehicle’s touchscreen under “Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information” or via the Tesla app by selecting “Vehicle > Specs & Warranty.”
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- Elon Musk confirms major shake-up for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package (digitaltrends.com)