Tesla has launched a new $199-per-month subscription plan for its Full Self-Driving package. Previously, Tesla owners would have had to purchase the Full Self-Driving package for a one-time payment of $10,000.
The automaker said on its support page that there are two options available to consumers: Basic Autopilot to FSD for $199 a month or Enhanced Autopilot to FSD for $99 a month. The appropriate option will depend on the vehicle’s current Autopilot capability.
Tesla said owners can subscribe by opening the “Upgrades” menu in their Tesla app or by signing in to their Tesla Account. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
Tesla noted that “Full Self-Driving” does not mean that the vehicle is completely autonomous. Users will get features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Auto Park, Summon and Traffic Light, and Stop Sign Control. However, “the currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous,” the company said.
Owners outraged by upgrade price
Some Tesla owners are expressing outrage that they would have to drop money on an upgrade before buying into the new subscription plan. The plan requires version 3.0 of the FSD hardware. The computer upgrade has been standard in Tesla vehicles since mid-2019, but those without it will have to pay $1,500 for it.
Electrek reported over the weekend that Tesla owners who purchased their vehicles between late 2016 and mid-2019 “were told that no further hardware upgrades would be required” for full self-driving. Some users have supposedly called for legal action regarding the matter.