Tesla’s recent move to shift its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite from an outright purchase option to a subscription-only model in the United States has sparked conversations among customers and industry watchers. This shift comes while CEO Elon Musk hints at potential pricing changes as the capabilities of FSD continue to grow. The new approach aims to address both business goals for Tesla and the needs of its customer base, who now face fresh choices regarding automation features in their vehicles. In addition to company statements, owners have begun offering their own perspectives on how access and pricing could evolve to better fit various usage patterns and expectations.
Previous reports on Tesla’s FSD suite emphasized its high upfront costs, leading to a relatively modest adoption rate among owners in North America. At launch, the outright price of FSD was often seen as prohibitive, with discounted periods doing little to improve uptake significantly. Analysts have noted that, despite recurring promises of expanded functionality, FSD’s penetration has grown steadily but not dramatically since debuting as a paid feature. Compared to last year’s widespread debate, Tesla’s current pivot follows industry trends toward service-based models while still facing unresolved questions about value for short- and long-term users.
How Are Owners Responding to Subscription Pricing?
As FSD now requires a monthly subscription, many owners express differing views on what constitutes fair pricing. Some have voiced that the current $99 per month may limit the potential market. Suggestions for lower prices—such as $49 or $69 monthly—have gained traction, as a lower barrier could encourage more owners to try out the advanced driving suite. These proposals come as Tesla attempts to balance financial viability with widespread adoption.
Could Tiered or Time-Based Models Address Varying Needs?
The introduction of supervised and unsupervised versions of FSD has fueled interest in tiered pricing approaches. By tailoring subscriptions to different autonomy levels, Tesla could better match the diverse requirements of its customer base. One proposal reflects this sentiment:
“$50/mo for supervised. $300/mo for unsupervised including insurance.”
This model allows owners to pay only for the features they value, allowing greater customization. Additionally, time-based options, such as daily or weekly passes, have been suggested to provide flexibility for occasional users.
What Features Matter Most to Tesla Drivers?
Opinions vary on which features are worth paying for in the FSD package. Some users prefer the idea of picking only the capabilities they use regularly, such as Supervised driving or Autopark—leaving out more advanced functions unless needed. Others are interested in more comprehensive but costly services tied to unsupervised autonomy. Tesla has acknowledged these perspectives, with the company stating,
“We continually review owner feedback to shape our FSD offerings,”
pointing to ongoing adjustments in their approach.
Tesla’s transition to subscription-only access for Full Self-Driving represents a key moment in its approach to autonomy as a service. Customer calls for flexible, tiered, or time-based options highlight a desire for paying only for what is personally valuable, rather than a standardized bundle. While suggestions for new pricing schemes have been put forward by a vocal segment of owners, Tesla thus far maintains a single monthly option, likely reflecting its current operational priorities and technical rollout strategy. For those interested in FSD, evaluating their use case—be it supervised versus unsupervised, occasional versus regular driving—will be crucial. Those considering a switch to Tesla or an FSD subscription should carefully weigh the potential for future price shifts alongside the incremental improvements promised by the company. Staying informed about ongoing developments may help buyers select the best time and plan for their own usage needs.
