Tesla will make the beta testing version of its Full Self-Driving mode available to any owner who requests it within the next two weeks. Some details have yet to be explained.
The first thing that must explained, though, is that, despite the name, Full Self-Driving mode doesn’t allow full self-driving. No car for sale in the United States is yet capable of that. The name of Tesla’s system has always been aspirational – the company’s goal is to eventually allow drivers to leave the driving to the car.
For now, the system is an improved version of Tesla Autopilot software. It does much of the steering for you, but still requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.
Full Self-Driving has been in beta testing with a small number of owners since last October. CEO Elon Musk announced over the weekend that it will be available for download to any owner that requests it within about ten days. The mode should appear as a downloadable option within the service menu on the car’s touchscreen.
Musk also acknowledged the systems’ current limitations, saying the program is “getting mature,” but drivers should “still be careful” with it.
Some of those owners will have already paid for Full Self-Driving. It’s an available option at purchase with every Tesla. Those who didn’t opt for it when they bought their Teslas will have to pay the $10,000 option fee in order to download. Nearly eight in ten EVs on American roads are Tesla products
