Tesla will offer its Full-Self Driving software only through a monthly subscription starting February 14, according to a statement by chief executive Elon Musk. The change removes the option for customers to buy the feature outright with a one-time payment and shifts the product fully into a recurring billing model.
Full-Self Driving, often referred to as FSD, is Tesla’s advanced driver assistance software that provides automated driving features under active driver supervision. Tesla says the system can assist with tasks such as steering, lane changes, and route guidance, depending on road and traffic conditions. The company states that drivers must keep their hands on the wheel when required, remain attentive, and be ready to take control at any moment. Tesla also says the system does not make vehicles fully autonomous.
Tesla has previously sold Full-Self Driving as a separate upgrade that could be purchased outright or accessed through a subscription. Under the subscription-only approach, drivers who want to use the feature will need to pay a monthly fee rather than buying long term access tied to a specific vehicle. Tesla has not published full details on whether subscription pricing will change or how it will compare with earlier purchase options.
The move represents a shift in how Tesla positions software features within its vehicles. By removing the one-time purchase option, the company increases reliance on ongoing payments from customers who want to keep access to Full-Self Driving. The change also reduces the initial cost barrier for drivers who want to try the feature without paying a larger upfront amount, although the total cost over time may exceed a one-time purchase, depending on how long a customer subscribes.
Tesla has expanded its use of software-based options in recent years, including features that can be activated after a vehicle is delivered. These products are sold through the company’s digital systems and can be added or removed without physical changes to the car. The Full-Self Driving subscription aligns with this approach by treating the feature as a service rather than a permanent vehicle upgrade.
The decision comes as driver assistance technology remains under regulatory and safety scrutiny in the United States. Federal agencies have investigated incidents involving Tesla’s automated features, and safety officials have continued to examine how such systems are marketed and how drivers use them. These systems are typically designed to support drivers, not replace them, and misuse can increase risk when drivers treat the technology as fully autonomous.
Tesla has continued to update Full-Self Driving through software releases that adjust how the system handles certain driving scenarios. The company has promoted ongoing improvements, while also maintaining that the driver remains responsible for vehicle control. Tesla has not said whether the subscription-only model will change how updates are delivered, but the shift could make the feature more closely tied to ongoing service delivery rather than a fixed upgrade.
Tesla has not provided a detailed timeline for how existing owners will be affected. It is not yet clear whether drivers who previously paid for Full-Self Driving upfront will retain access under their current terms or whether changes will apply only to future purchases. Further details are expected as the February 14 change takes effect.