Fact Check: Tesla full self driving is available now

Tesla Full Self-Driving Availability: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that "Tesla full self-driving is available now" has garnered attention as Tesla continues to develop and promote its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. This assertion raises questions about the current state of FSD, its accessibility to consumers, and the implications of its use.

What We Know

1. Current Status of Full Self-Driving: As of October 2023, Tesla offers a subscription service for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, which allows users to access FSD capabilities under certain conditions. This service is available to vehicle owners through the Tesla app or vehicle touchscreen 29.

2. Early Access Program: Tesla has expanded its Early Access Program (EAP), allowing more drivers to test versions of FSD before broader release. This program has reportedly seen participation from over 20 million users as of October 2023 4.

3. Ongoing Investigations: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a probe into Tesla's FSD software, particularly concerning collisions involving the technology. This investigation raises concerns about the safety and reliability of FSD 1.

4. Public Statements by Elon Musk: CEO Elon Musk has made several claims regarding the timeline for achieving full autonomy, suggesting that the technology would be broadly available by the end of 2023. However, these claims have often been met with skepticism due to previous delays and ongoing regulatory scrutiny 810.

5. Demonstrations and Marketing: Tesla has released videos showcasing FSD in action, which are intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the technology. However, the context of these demonstrations and the conditions under which they were filmed are not always clear 6.

Analysis

The claim that Tesla's Full Self-Driving is "available now" is nuanced and requires careful examination of the evidence:

• Source Reliability: The Tesla Support pages 29 provide direct information from the company, but they may be biased as they are promotional in nature. The information is factual but should be interpreted with caution given the company's vested interest in promoting its products.

• Investigative Reports: The Reuters article 1 discussing the NHTSA probe adds a layer of skepticism to the claim. Investigations into safety can indicate that the technology may not be fully reliable or safe for widespread use, contradicting the notion of it being fully available.

• Public Statements: Elon Musk's assertions about the timeline for FSD availability 810 have historically been optimistic and sometimes inaccurate. This raises questions about the credibility of such claims, especially when they align with consumer expectations and stock market performance.

• User Experience: The expansion of the Early Access Program 4 suggests that while FSD is available to some users, it is not universally accessible. The term "available now" may mislead consumers into thinking that all Tesla owners can use FSD without restrictions.

• Demonstration Videos: While Tesla's promotional videos 6 showcase the technology's capabilities, they do not provide a complete picture. The conditions under which these demonstrations occur may not reflect everyday driving scenarios, which is critical for assessing real-world usability.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Tesla full self-driving is available now" is partially true. Evidence indicates that Tesla does offer a subscription service for its Full Self-Driving feature, which is accessible to some users under specific conditions. However, the availability is not universal, as participation in the Early Access Program is limited and the technology is still under investigation for safety concerns.

The context surrounding this claim is essential; while some users can access FSD, the ongoing regulatory scrutiny and the limitations of the technology suggest that it may not be fully reliable or safe for all drivers. Additionally, public statements from Tesla's CEO have often been overly optimistic, which contributes to uncertainty regarding the actual state of FSD technology.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, as the situation is fluid and subject to change. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances involved in claims about emerging technologies like Tesla's Full Self-Driving.

Sources

1. US probes Tesla's Full Self-Driving software in 2.4 mln cars ... (https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nhtsa-opens-probe-into-24-mln-tesla-vehicles-over-full-self-driving-collisions-2024-10-18/)
2. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Subscriptions | Tesla Support (https://www.tesla.com/support/full-self-driving-subscriptions/)
3. Is Tesla FSD Finally Full Self-Driving? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuwK-vvvYgY)
4. Tesla expands Early Access Program (https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-expands-early-access-program-eap-early-full-self-driving-testing/)
5. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Transfers (https://www.tesla.com/support/fsd-transfer)
6. Tesla Releases New Unedited Video Of Full Self-Driving At Work In ... (https://www.carscoops.com/2023/10/tesla-releases-new-unedited-video-of-full-self-driving-at-work-in-austin/)
7. Tesla reveals Full Self-Driving roadmap and upcoming Cybercab (https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/tesla-full-self-driving-autonomous-driving)
8. Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims 'Full Self-Driving' due this year, again ... (https://www.drive.com.au/news/elon-musk-claims-full-self-driving-2023/)
9. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) | Tesla Support (https://www.tesla.com/support/autopilot)
10. Tesla to achieve full autonomy this year, CEO Elon Musk says - TESLARATI (https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-full-autonomy-2023-elon-musk/)