Do you want to know about Tesla full self driving (FSD) technology?
What is Tesla Full Self Driving?
FSD is a more advanced version of the Tesla autopilot that was announced later in 2016. It is an autonomous driver assistance system that uses different hardware and software to let your Tesla navigate on its own.
FSD uses 8 external cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, radar, GPS data, and computers to read the surrounding environment and make real-time decisions to control your Tesla’s acceleration, steering, and braking. The autopilot systems in the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y are based on cameras, while the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X are based on radar.
Tesla Full Self Driving Beta
FSD Beta is the live testing stage of the full self-driving software to make the vehicle autonomous at level 5. The beta phase is a bit controversial because the vehicles functioning under FSD remain at level 2 automation. That is why Tesla vehicles are not fully self-driving and need a fully attentive driver.
Functions that are available for Tesla’s full self-driving beta testing are traffic and stop sign control and autosteer on city streets. Tesla owners who meet certain safety and monitoring requirements can apply for beta testing from the Tesla App and pay for a subscription or full payment.
What can Tesla FSD do?
Tesla’s full self driving system includes Tesla standard autopilot features, enhanced autopilot features, and more improved capabilities. The autopilot features include adaptive cruise control and an autosteer lane-keeping assistant. The enhanced autopilot features include auto lane change, auto park, and summon. FSD takes that step further and lets your car identify stop signs and traffic lights, and it will soon let your Tesla vehicle steer on city streets.
However, recent software updates with full self driving capability can improve the detection of animals and pedestrians. Full self-driving is used on highways and urban and suburban areas as well; meanwhile, autopilot works only on highways.
- On a highway trip, FSD combines navigation with autopilot to find the efficient route, navigate on-ramp to off-ramp, exit interchanges, and lane changes.
- On the road, FSD combines auto lane change and autosteer to set and execute a lane change when you press the turn signal.
NOTE: Keep in mind that you have to stay in the driver’s seat, pay attention on the road, make sure to put your hands on the wheel, stay alert, and be ready to take over. Because you are responsible for the car’s behavior, Tesla does not take responsibility for the accident, whether you use Tesla autopilot, enhanced autopilot, or FSD.
FSD Drawbacks
Almost all functions of FSD require constant monitoring and input from the driver. Full self driving does not let the car completely drive itself because it does not allow a Tesla to work for a longer time with the driver’s hand off the steering wheel.
Moreover, if you sell a Tesla with FSD, the purchaser will get the technology because FSD is not transferable. And you have to buy the package again for your new Tesla. It means you have to pay the hefty amount for another time.
Tesla Full Self Driving Subscription
Tesla FSD technology is available to customers but is far from free. However, Tesla slashes the full self-driving subscription price, which depends on your vehicle’s current autopilot package.
FSD Monthly Subscription
- Basic Autopilot to FSD: $99 monthly
- Enhanced autopilot for FSD: $99 monthly
Moreover, Tesla FSD is also available to purchase for a one-time fee of $12,000, depending on the vehicle, and the subscription is not transferable to future cars.
Is Tesla Full Self Driving Worth it?
According to our team’s personal driving experience, the Tesla FSD is not worth the $12000 price tag and not even worth the $99 per month.
The software is buggy and can’t handle real-life driving situations every time. In the driving review, we found that the vehicles want to make unnecessary lane changes or will put you in the slower lane. Moreover, the car will accelerate into red intersections before banging on the brakes.
Consequently, as per our experience, we recommend upgrading the Tesla for FSD, and paying a hefty amount is not a good idea. When driving you can’t trust your life and feel it needs a lot of work.
So, Tesla’s full self-driving is a big NO from us.
FAQs
Q: How to activate full self driving?
To activate FSD, tap on controls > autopilot > autopilot features > full self driving beta. Now read and understand the pop-up window carefully, and then touch on the Yes tab.
Q: How to tell if a Tesla has full self driving capability?
To know if you have access to FSD, choose the controls option in settings > Autopilot > Autopilot settings. Here, see whether you are full self driving or not.
