For Tesla vehicle owners with existing Enhanced Autopilot Package (EAP), it has become cheaper to experience the automaker's Full Self-Driving. The AI-powered feature that promises fully autonomous driving soon now offers a discount of $1,000 and exclusive only for users already in the EAP program.
Tesla made the adjustment over the weekend and the new asking price for FSD essentially makes the service more affordable but only for select users. Presently, self-driving is available for $10,000 and the reduced pricing seemed more inviting.
According to Electrek, Tesla's move was welcome but it would be better if the company will consider extra credit for EAP owners who bought the service ahead of FSD's full implementation. For these users, the promise of getting both packages at more reasonable pricing was negated by FSD becoming more expensive in the last few months.
From $7,000 in July, Tesla moved the price up twice that amounted to an eventual tag of $10,000 in October. The company justified the price hike by releasing beta versions of FSD to select users in the same month but as the same report pointed out, the updates are still lacking.
FSD in its current form is far removed from the promise made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk so it is only fair for EAP owners to get a rebate. Musk said there will be a wide release of the beta before the end of 2020 but pending the realization of this rollout, FSD is a bit overpriced specifically in the case of those in the EAP program.
In reality, it's hard to imagine that self-driving as painted by Musk will be fully functional so soon. The executive himself has acknowledged that for FSD to get smarter, more data from users are required and it will take time for that to happen.
And even if FSD is pushed for a broader rollout in the coming months, users will still need to stay alert and ready to take control of vehicle navigation. As ZDNet reported, the beta release so far showcased mixed results even as Musk advertised a wider release in the coming weeks.
There were many instances that Tesla's self-driving appeared spot-on like stopping at a red light and recognizing the presence of pedestrians. But overall, using the FSD beta with extreme caution is still the best option.
Tesla's advisory with the beta release includes paying extra attention while FSD is activated as the company allowed that the feature could indeed "do the wrong thing at the wrong time."
There is no solid indication yet when exactly Tesla will transition FSD from beta to the full release so it's only prudent to exercise care when using the service.
