Elon Musk is pushing Tesla’s prototype “Full Self-Driving” feature harder than ever before. The billionaire CEO recently instructed staff to demonstrate the capability to any customers picking up their new Teslas. Furthermore, he announced on X that all current Tesla owners with vehicles capable of running the software will receive a 30-day free trial they can activate with a simple tap of a button.
Therefore, now is an opportune time to reiterate something essential to all the new FSD testers out there: Teslas cannot operate autonomously. They are not self-driving vehicles. It’s crucial to remain vigilant while using FSD as it has shown tendencies to exhibit erratic, illegal, and potentially hazardous behaviors.
Elon Musk’s vision for a self-driving Tesla
Elon Musk has long touted the advent of self-driving Teslas. Tesla is actively promoting its $12,000 Full Self-Driving feature to more customers. However, it’s important to remember that this feature does not make vehicles autonomous, despite its name.
Tesla also underscores this point through a pop-up window that drivers need to acknowledge before activating the software for the first time. The company cautions users that FSD “may do the wrong thing at the worst time.” Additionally, Tesla has renamed the feature to Full Self-Driving (Supervised), replacing its previous (Beta) designation.
It’s worth emphasizing this because, well, Tesla named the feature Full Self-Driving. Logically, that should only mean one thing.
Tesla enthusiasts may have a good understanding of what they’re getting into by signing up. However, the number of individuals who casually mention those “self-driving Teslas” suggests that the nuanced message of what FSD truly entails isn’t reaching the general public.
What Is Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
FSD is categorized as a level 2 driver-assistance system according to industry standards, implying that the car supports certain tasks, but the driver is ultimately in control. Continuous supervision by the driver is necessary, similar to overseeing the car’s cruise control or lane-keeping capabilities. For reference, level 5 involves complete autonomy in all scenarios without the need for driver attention, indicating that Tesla still has a long way to go.
Unlike traditional cruise control, FSD is designed to navigate complex environments such as city streets. When activated, it uses a Tesla’s array of cameras to scan for street signs, curbs, pedestrians, vehicles, traffic lights, cyclists, and more. By utilizing AI, it determines how to brake, accelerate, and steer towards the driver’s chosen destination. Situations like making unprotected left turns across multiple lanes of traffic and navigating crowded urban areas are scenarios that FSD aims to manage independently, although the feature is not flawless.
Several online videos showcase FSD in action, with some Tesla owners praising the latest release (V12) for providing more natural and improved functionality compared to previous versions.
FSD Still Makes Mistakes
Despite the progress made by Tesla, errors in FSD can have significant repercussions. Recent videos indicate that the latest FSD version has not fully addressed all issues, with instances of the software making critical errors, such as running red lights or misjudging road closures.
It is crucial for drivers using FSD to remain attentive and prepared to take control at all times to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
Why is Tesla Pushing Hard on FSD Now?
While Tesla currently dominates the U.S. EV market, recent challenges in sales have led the company to take action. With decreased sales growth predicted for 2024, Tesla appears to be leveraging the FSD feature to boost its revenue. Customers can purchase FSD for a one-time fee of $12,000 or opt for a $199/month subscription, and many have invested in the feature with the hope that Tesla will deliver on its promise of autonomous driving in the near future.
If you decide to engage with FSD, remember to drive responsibly.