Tesla has shifted its timeline for removing the option to buy the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite outright in Australia, providing customers in that market additional time to consider their purchase. This adjustment comes as the company continues to transition to a subscription-based model for its advanced driver-assistance software. Many Australian drivers now find themselves weighing their options before the new deadline, as Tesla continues to expand its FSD offering in select regions. The move also signals how Tesla is evaluating the varied market readiness for permanent software purchases worldwide.
When Tesla first announced the shift to a subscription-only model for Full Self-Driving, it aligned the rollout closely between countries, including North America and Australia. Previous announcements did not anticipate the extended window now available in Australia, which contrasts with the stringent enforcement of the February 14 cutoff date in North America. The adjustment reflects both the more recent launch of FSD in Australia and differing market maturity compared to the United States and Canada, where customers have had years to make outright FSD purchases.
Why Did Tesla Offer More Time in Australia?
Tesla has allowed Australian customers to purchase Full Self-Driving outright until March 31, 2026, mainly because FSD became available there only last year. By comparison, customers in North America are facing a much shorter window, with the outright purchasing option ending on February 14. The company said,
The extension in Australia recognizes the limited timeframe during which FSD has been accessible in that market.
This consideration responds to feedback from Australian buyers who have not had the same prolonged access as North American users.
How Will This Affect Australian Tesla Owners?
For those who purchase Full Self-Driving before the new deadline, ownership will be retained without requiring a monthly subscription fee in the future. After the cutoff, however, new customers must opt into a subscription model to access the software’s capabilities. Tesla explained,
Customers who have already purchased FSD outright will not need to subscribe, but new drivers after the cut-off will be required to do so.
This approach differentiates customers based on their timing, while also ushering in Tesla’s preferred business model.
What’s Next for Full Self-Driving Availability?
Full Self-Driving is currently offered in the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. Despite continued efforts, Tesla’s FSD suite has not yet been introduced in Europe, though the company remains optimistic about a future launch there. As the technology develops, Tesla has hinted at potential price increases aligned with improvements to FSD’s features, but has yet to provide concrete figures or timelines for these adjustments.
The diversity in Tesla’s approach demonstrates a responsiveness to each region’s market experience and adoption rates. While customers in North America must act quickly to secure outright access, Australians benefit from an extended purchasing period—a decision influenced by local conditions and the recent introduction of FSD there. Other global markets watch closely as Tesla adapts its sales models and navigates regulatory and operational hurdles to roll out FSD further. For potential buyers, understanding how availability and pricing structures differ across countries can inform strategic decisions about when and how to access Tesla’s evolving driver-assistance technology.
