Tesla has revealed a new package aimed at Model S and Model X buyers. For a $5,000 fee, customers can secure a three-year subscription encompassing Full Self-Driving (FSD), Premium Connectivity, and complimentary Supercharging.
While the inclusion of FSD, a technology that has shown remarkable progress in recent times, is undoubtedly enticing, it’s crucial to remember that Tesla still requires drivers to maintain constant vigilance and be prepared to intervene. The package arrives at a peculiar juncture in the FSD narrative.
After multiple price hikes, positioning FSD as a surefire investment, Tesla has recently reversed course with price reductions. This shift in strategy adds complexity to the bundle’s appeal, requiring careful consideration from potential buyers. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has undergone a rollercoaster of pricing in recent months.
After reaching a peak of $15,000 in September 2022, the price was slashed to $12,000 last September, mirroring the January 2022 figure. This April, an even more dramatic reduction brought the cost down to $8,000, matching the July 2020 level.
Despite FSD V12 being hailed as a significant leap forward in autonomous driving capability, and its latest iteration, V12.5, garnering near-perfect praise, Tesla has opted to further increase accessibility rather than capitalize on the technology’s advancements.
In addition to the upfront $8,000 purchase or the $99 monthly subscription, Tesla has introduced a three-year bundle combining FSD with Free Supercharging and Premium Connectivity for $5,000. While this package offers substantial savings on FSD and Premium Connectivity, the real value lies in the free Supercharging, equivalent to approximately $30 per month.
However, this enticing deal comes with restrictions, excluding vehicles used for commercial purposes such as ride-sharing or car rental services. Tesla has implemented safeguards to prevent abuse of the free Supercharging benefit, including the potential to revoke it and convert the vehicle to a pay-per-use Supercharger model if commercial use is detected.
