Tesla recently reduced the price of its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) driver assistance technology and offered a complimentary one-month trial of the software. However, these actions seem to have had minimal impact, according to data from YipitData and Moomoo Technologies as reported by InsideEVs.
Only 2% of the nearly 3,500 Tesla owners who participated in the trial opted to purchase a subscription or FSD upgrade, totaling around 50 individuals. The FSD system is currently classified as an SAE Level 2 driving system, a designation that differs significantly from its name and the assertions made by CEO Elon Musk. This discrepancy may have influenced owners to refrain from investing in the $8,000 upgrade or the $99 monthly fee.
Despite Tesla’s position as a leader in the EV market, the rollout of FSD has been sluggish and plagued by uncertainty regarding its real-world functionality. Following a period of owner-driven beta testing, Tesla rebranded FSD as “Supervised” in version 12.3. Although the technology offers driver-assist functions, it still requires an attentive driver to operate the vehicle.
Furthermore, Tesla is under heightened scrutiny regarding its Autopilot system, which provides advanced adaptive cruise control capabilities. Regulatory bodies have requested data from the company regarding driver attention monitoring and system control handover in case of emergencies. Despite issuing a recall to address certain deficiencies, Tesla has been involved in at least 20 accidents involving vehicles post-recall implementation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has demanded detailed information from Tesla on all vehicles delivered in the U.S. This includes data on Autopilot alerts, pre- and post-recall Autopilot usage figures, and the frequency of alerts prompting drivers to maintain control of the vehicle.
FAQs
1. What is Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) technology?
Tesla’s FSD technology is a driver assistance system that aims to provide advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
2. How much does Tesla’s FSD upgrade cost?
The FSD upgrade is priced at $8,000 for a one-time purchase or $99 per month as a subscription service.
Conclusion
Despite Tesla’s efforts to promote its FSD technology through price reductions and free trials, the conversion rate to paid subscriptions remains low. The company continues to face challenges in dispelling doubts about the functionality and safety of its autonomous driving systems. Regulatory scrutiny and incidents involving post-recall vehicles contribute to ongoing concerns surrounding Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD offerings.
