Earlier this week we reported that Tesla has hidden in the source code an option for a Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription. According to the Tesla hacker @greentheonly who found the reference, it had been there for some time.
Yesterday during Tesla’s Q1 2020 earnings call while responding to a question from an institutional investor, CEO Elon Musk confirmed the FSD subscription service will be coming soon.
“Most Tesla owners have yet to purchase or experience FSD despite most vehicles having all the necessary hardware. What levers could you pull to accelerate adoption and deepen your data advantage? For example, could you consider offering FSD as a premium subscription?”
Musk said the subscription would arrive towards the end of 2020, but still thinks purchasing FSD outright is the smarter choice. As he has stated many times before, FSD will increase in price over times as more features are added.
“I think we will also be having it as a subscription service, but it will be towards the end of this year. It was to make available FSD as an option. In our view, buying FSD is an investment in the future and we’re confident that his investment that will pay off to the consumer. My guess is the FSD option is something people will not regret doing.“
Adding the feature would also allow your Tesla vehicle to be added to the Robotaxi fleet, making it capable of earning money for your while you’re not using it.
Just last week, Tesla added the ability for the vehicle to stop at traffic lights and stop signs, with driver confirmation for the first beta release. As the automaker gathers data on how drivers are responding in various situations, the feature will eventually become autonomous, much like the roll-out of auto lane changes for Navigate on Autopilot (NoA).
Musk declined to provide any details on pricing or how the subscription service would be offered. So far the biggest barrier is the price of FSD, currently at over $10,000 after taxes in Canada.
When it does arrive, it could come as a monthly, weekly, or even daily purchase option, which would be great for the occasional user or for someone who only wants FSD for infrequent road trips.
Are you interested in purchasing a FSD subscription? Let us know in the comments below.
