Tesla has announced it will stop providing the basic autopilot assistance system in its new cars sold in the United States, a move aimed at encouraging customers to subscribe to the advanced version of driver-assistance technologies for a monthly fee.
The company had previously clarified that, starting from mid-February next, it will stop selling the advanced driving system as a one-time purchase option, making it available only through a monthly subscription.
What has changed in the new cars?
According to the company’s website, new cars will now only come equipped with a system that maintains a constant speed and follows the traffic in front of the car while keeping a safe distance.
In contrast, a feature that helped the car stay in the center of the lane and navigate curves automatically has been removed and is no longer part of the standard equipment.
This decision comes after pressure from regulatory authorities, which granted the company a deadline to adjust its marketing approach for driver-assistance systems, warning of a temporary suspension of its vehicle sales license if it continued using names that might suggest the vehicles are capable of full self-driving.
Regulators believe these names could mislead consumers, while Tesla confirms that its systems do not operate without driver supervision.
What does Tesla say?
The company’s CEO stated that the cost of the monthly subscription will increase over time as the system’s capabilities improve, indicating that this model will become an important source of revenue in the future.
Meanwhile, the company’s CFO revealed that only about 12% of Tesla customers have purchased the advanced driving system so far, which explains the company’s shift towards relying on subscriptions instead of direct sales.
Tesla also expects to receive official approvals to operate the advanced system in Europe in the coming period.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan introduced by Tesla, Inc. in 2012, which played a pivotal role in proving the viability and desirability of long-range electric vehicles for the mass market. Its history is marked by continuous over-the-air software updates and iterative hardware improvements, significantly advancing automotive technology and consumer expectations for electric cars.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a major city in California, founded as a Spanish mission and presidio in 1776. It grew rapidly during the 1849 Gold Rush and was famously rebuilt after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. The city is known for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, its historic cable cars, and its role as a center for counterculture and technological innovation.
California
California is a state on the west coast of the United States, originally inhabited by numerous Native American tribes before becoming a Spanish colony and later part of Mexico. It was annexed by the U.S. in 1848, the same year the California Gold Rush began, triggering a massive population boom and rapid development. Today, it is known globally for its diverse economy, cultural influence in entertainment and technology, and varied geography ranging from coastline to mountains and deserts.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its current government established by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global superpower, with a history shaped by westward expansion, industrialization, and significant internal conflicts such as the Civil War. Its diverse culture is a product of large-scale immigration and the blending of numerous traditions from around the world.
Tesla
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company founded in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, though it is most famously led by CEO Elon Musk. The company is named after the Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla and has played a pivotal role in accelerating the global transition to sustainable energy through its electric cars, battery storage, and solar products.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and periods of both empire and devastating conflict. It is home to countless cultural sites, from prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge to grand cathedrals, art museums, and historic city centers that reflect its diverse heritage. This shared, though often turbulent, past has profoundly influenced global culture, politics, and thought.
