Tesla Ends Autopilot, Charges for Essential Safety Feature
Tesla has made a significant change for new buyers of the Model 3 and Model Y in North America. Effective immediately, the company has removed Basic Autopilot as a standard feature. This move requires potential buyers to subscribe to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package at $99 per month for critical lane-keeping functionality.
Tesla’s Shift in Autopilot Features
For nearly seven years, Tesla included Basic Autopilot with every vehicle purchase. This feature pack encompassed two key elements:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC): Adjusts the car’s speed to match that of the vehicle ahead.
- Autosteer: Maintains the vehicle’s position within its lane.
Under the new pricing structure, only Traffic-Aware Cruise Control will be available with new cars, removing Autosteer altogether. Buyers wishing for self-steering capabilities on highways must now opt for the subscription service.
Subscription Model and Consumer Impact
This policy shift follows Tesla’s recent decision to halt one-time purchases of FSD, shifting entirely to a subscription model starting in February. By eliminating the free Autopilot tier, Tesla aims to encourage users to migrate toward the $99 monthly subscription.
Elon Musk has suggested that subscription prices may increase as the software develops. However, the current emphasis appears to focus on increasing subscription uptake, which has shown to be relatively low.
Concerns Over Consumer Rights
This strategy raises concerns about consumer value. Lane-keeping assistance, traditionally seen as a fundamental safety feature, is now a paid add-on. Notably, even budget-friendly vehicles from manufacturers like Toyota and Honda offer similar features as standard equipment:
- Toyota: Corolla includes Lane Tracing Assist.
- Honda: Civic features Lane Keeping Assist System.
In contrast, Tesla now requires a yearly subscription fee of $1,200 for comparable technology. This pricing model could deter budget-conscious buyers, who usually aim for monthly payment ranges of $500 to $600.
Broader Context of Tesla’s Decision
Tesla’s latest changes are viewed as a reaction to ongoing challenges, including decreasing vehicle sales and the recent loss of substantial subsidies in the U.S. market. Many observers regard this decision as a desperate measure to improve financial performance amidst mounting pressures.
Overall, Tesla’s removal of Basic Autopilot reflects a broader trend of monetizing features that were once standard, raising questions about the implications for consumer safety and value.
