Elon Musk Directs Tesla to Demo Full Self-Driving Mode for New Customers. In a recent directive, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has mandated that all new customers receive a demonstration of the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode.
The directive specifies that Tesla staff in North America should install and activate the latest FSD software and provide a brief test ride to showcase the capabilities of the technology. While this requirement may slow down the delivery process, Musk emphasized that it is a necessary step.
According to reports, every new Tesla purchaser in North America will need to undergo a demonstration of the Full Self-Driving mode. Elon Musk communicated this mandate in an email to Tesla employees, leaked online and later confirmed by Business Insider.
In the email, Musk instructed Tesla staff to install and activate the latest FSD version, which requires drivers to remain attentive and engaged while the system operates. The FSD option, priced at $12,000, offers features such as “autosteer” on city streets, traffic lights, and stop sign control, adding to the driver-assist functions provided by Tesla’s Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot packages.
Initially, the mandate applied only to new customers, but a subsequent email extended the requirement to include owners who receive their vehicles back from service centers. While details about the demonstration process are limited, Musk emphasized the importance of showcasing the effectiveness of supervised Full Self-Driving.
Musk acknowledged that implementing this requirement might affect the delivery timeline but underscored its significance. He announced on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Tesla models equipped with Full Self-Driving capability will have access to a one-month free trial starting this week.
