Tesla Full Self Driving Subscription Priced at $199 Per Month

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Up until now, Tesla's Full Self Driving system has only been available for consumers willing to pay an additional $10,000 at the time of purchase. The automaker was reportedly working on a subscription plan that would allow owners and new customers to test the system out before purchasing it outright. Now, that subscription plan is here and it's priced at $199 a month.

Subscription Plan Arrives

According to CNBC, Tesla alerted drivers of the new subscription plan. One eligible owner shared the notice they received from Tesla with the outlet, which stated:

"Full Self-Driving capability is now available as a monthly subscription. Upgrade your Model Y ... for $199 (excluding taxes) to experience features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Auto Park, Summon and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. The currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous."

Unfortunately, there's a catch with the subscription plan. Teslas that were already purchased without the Full Self-Driving package must have all of the necessary components, which includes the automaker's latest Hardware 3 or HW3 computer. Getting the latest HW3 computer added to a Tesla costs $1,500. Additionally, Teslas must have Basic or Enhanced Autopilot to be able to be equipped with Full Self Driving.

With all of these requirements met, consumers can purchase Full Self-Driving on a monthly basis for $199. Owners that bought the Enhanced Autopilot Package can get the package for $99 per month. All current owners have to do to purchase a subscription is to open the "Upgrades" menu in the Tesla app and follow the necessary prompts.

Giving Owners Flexibility

Tesla wants consumers with a subscription plan to keep a few things in mind. Full Self-Driving features are based on configuration and location. Tesla does plan to come out with more features over time, though could also vary based on region. The automaker also wants to remind customers that Full Self Driving in its current state does not actually result in a vehicle that can drive itself. While that's the end goal, drivers must remain attentive when driving a Tesla at all times.

CNBC found an official subscription agreement on Tesla's website that outlines a few things. A few of the interesting ones include the disclaimer that pricing for the subscription plan can change at any time, owners can cancel Full Self Driving at any time, and Tesla can suspend or cancel an owner's subscription if they find that they're misusing the technology.

Tesla upheld its word with the new subscription plan for its Full Self Driving package. Giving customers the ability to try Full Self Driving for a month or two to see if it's worth the full $10,000 figure should get more people interested in the technology. Additionally, it also gives owners some flexibility. If they plan on going on long trips or cover a lot of miles one month, they can purchase the plan and cancel it when it's not needed.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods