technologyneutral

Tesla's Big Shift: Self-Driving Now a Subscription

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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Starting soon, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature will only be available through a monthly subscription.

  • No more one-time purchase: The $8,000 upfront fee is gone.
  • New monthly cost: $99 per month.
  • Announced by: Elon Musk on his social media platform.

Why the Change?

  • Regulatory updates: More rules around self-driving cars may be influencing this shift.
  • Recent changes: Tesla has been frequently updating its automation features.

What Does This Mean for Drivers?

  • Pros: Lower upfront cost, ability to try the feature without a large initial investment.
  • Cons: Higher total cost over time.

The Big Picture

  • Industry trend: Tech companies are increasingly moving towards subscription models.
  • Future implications: This change raises questions about the future of self-driving technology and its accessibility.

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