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Tesla Pulls Autopilot in US, Demands $99/Month Fee
24 Jan
Summary
- Tesla discontinued free Autopilot features in North America.
- Drivers must now pay $99 monthly for Full Self-Driving subscription.
- Regulatory scrutiny and lawsuits may be driving the change.
Tesla has ceased offering its standard Autopilot driver-assist feature in the United States and Canada, now directing customers towards a $99 monthly subscription for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. Previously included features like Autosteer, which keeps vehicles centered in their lanes, are no longer free. Basic functions such as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control remain accessible. Drivers seeking Autosteer will need to opt for the FSD subscription or a one-time $8,000 upgrade, which offers more advanced capabilities for urban environments.
This significant change follows a period of intense scrutiny for Tesla's driver-assist technology. California's Department of Motor Vehicles had threatened a sales suspension over the use of 'Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving' in marketing, deeming the terms misleading. Furthermore, Autopilot has been a factor in costly lawsuits, including a $249 million damages ruling in Florida where it was implicated in a fatal accident. Tesla intends to appeal this decision.
Amidst declining sales in the US, this strategic pivot may be an effort to increase revenue from subscriptions like FSD. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has indicated that FSD subscription prices are expected to increase as its capabilities evolve. Achieving 10 million active FSD subscriptions is reportedly a milestone tied to Musk's performance-based compensation.
