Tesla is introducing a gifting initiative for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) subscription, allowing individuals to purchase and gift the semi-autonomous driving software for various durations. This offering is designed to coincide with the upcoming holiday season, aiming to make it easier for Tesla owners and enthusiasts to experience the software on a trial basis. As convenience features continue to shape the automotive market, Tesla seeks to provide new options for consumers who want flexibility without fully committing to outright purchase.
A year ago, reports about Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite focused mostly on its pricing and limited accessibility. Subscriptions began at $199 per month, leading to debates on affordability versus outright purchase, which was then priced at $10,000. Since then, the subscription cost has dropped to $99, and now the gifting program intends to further expand user access. Other automakers have increasingly begun integrating advanced driver-assist features, but few have matched Tesla’s targeted approach with flexible subscription and gifting models. By allowing trial experiences, Tesla positions itself to reach segments previously hesitant to invest in FSD technology.
What does the gifting program offer?
The gifting program allows people to present friends or family with access to Full Self-Driving for a specified period. Intended to provide a test period, the initiative may encourage users to transition to either ongoing subscriptions or make outright purchases if they find the service beneficial. Tesla’s subscription currently stands at $99 per month in the United States, providing a temporary yet cost-effective avenue for those interested in advanced driver-assist features without a significant upfront investment.
How will Tesla roll out the new gifting feature?
Tesla executive Raj Jegannathan announced that the program will be available before the end of the year, ensuring potential customers can make use of it during the holidays. Jegannathan commented,
“Will have it ready before holidays!”
highlighting the company’s plan for a timely release that aligns with peak gifting periods.
What is Tesla’s stance on buying vs. subscribing?
Elon Musk and Tesla leadership have repeatedly stated their preference for customers to purchase the Full Self-Driving suite outright, citing long-term cost benefits. Musk has previously advised,
“It will be economically better to have bought FSD.”
Despite these comments, Tesla has maintained the subscription as a practical alternative for those not ready to make a full commitment, offering both affordability and flexibility as the feature evolves.
Expanding on the landscape for car tech subscriptions, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving gifts could stimulate more prospective users to test out the system, possibly accelerating familiarity and adoption. The company’s strategy comes after reviews noting both the suite’s strengths in driver convenience and its ongoing need for attentive operation. While some drivers might see FSD as a luxury, Tesla’s lower subscription price and flexible gifting could make the technology accessible to a broader base, fostering wider understanding and assessment. As driver-assist technology continues to mature, such models may set standards for how new features are introduced and shared within the market.
