Tesla’s recent efforts to boost adoption of its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) technology have fallen short, according to data from YipitData and Moomoo Technologies. Despite lowering the price of FSD and offering a one-month free trial, only 2% of the nearly 3,500 Tesla owners in the trial chose to continue using the software by paying for a subscription or making a full purchase. This amounts to approximately 50 users.
One reason for this lackluster response could be the discrepancy between the name of the technology and its actual capabilities. Despite being labeled as an SAE Level 2 driving system, FSD still falls far short of full self-driving functionality. CEO Elon Musk’s bold claims about the technology may have led owners to expect more than what FSD currently offers. The $8,000 purchase price or $99 monthly fee may not justify the limited features of the system, leading many users to opt out.
Tesla’s journey with FSD has been plagued with questions about its real-world effectiveness and functionality. After a period of owner-guided “beta testing,” Tesla removed the beta label and rebranded FSD as “Supervised.” The current version, 12.3, provides driver assist features but still requires an attentive driver to operate the vehicle. This limitation raises doubts about whether FSD truly lives up to its name and whether Tesla can deliver on its promise of full self-driving capabilities in the future.
In addition to these concerns, Tesla is facing increased scrutiny over its Autopilot system, which offers advanced adaptive cruise control features. Regulators have demanded data from Tesla regarding how its vehicles monitor driver attention and disengage from control when necessary. The company has issued a recall to address some of the shortcomings in this area, but there have been reports of at least 20 crashes involving post-recall vehicles.
To address these safety concerns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested detailed information on every Tesla vehicle delivered in the United States. The agency wants to examine data such as the number and timing of Autopilot warnings, the mileage figures before and after the recall, and the frequency of warnings for drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.
These recent developments highlight the challenges Tesla faces as it tries to establish itself as a leader in autonomous driving technology. The slow rollout of FSD and the discrepancy between its name and capabilities have likely dampened consumer enthusiasm. The increased scrutiny from regulators and the NHTSA’s investigation into Autopilot performance further underscore the need for Tesla to address safety concerns and deliver on its promises. Only by providing comprehensive and reliable autonomous driving features will Tesla be able to meet the expectations of its customers and build trust among regulators and the general public.
