AUSTIN, Texas: Tesla will stop offering its full self-driving software as a one-time purchase and switch exclusively to a monthly subscription model from February 14, Chief Executive Elon Musk said on January 14.
The change means owners of Tesla Inc vehicles will no longer be able to buy its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package outright after that date, relying instead on recurring subscriptions for access to the software.
Currently, Tesla allows U.S. customers to purchase FSD (Supervised) for a one-time payment of US$8,000 or subscribe to the feature for $99 per month.
FSD is a driver-assistance system that requires motorists to remain attentive and ready to intervene if necessary.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD system, following more than 50 reports of alleged traffic-safety violations and a series of crashes.
Tesla has since added the term "Supervised" to describe FSD in passenger vehicles. The company uses an unsupervised version of the software when moving cars from assembly lines to delivery lots at some of its factories.
Tesla's Autopilot system assists vehicles with accelerating, braking, and staying within highway lanes, while FSD allows cars to change lanes and respond to traffic signals on city streets.
