Tesla’s recent price reduction and free trial offer for its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) driver assistance technology may not have yielded the desired results. According to data from YipitData and Moomoo Technologies reported by InsideEVs, only a small fraction of trial users opted to pay for FSD after the trial period.
Out of nearly 3,500 Tesla owners who participated in the free trial, only 2% converted to a paid subscription or made a FSD purchase, totaling around 50 individuals. One potential factor that may have deterred customers is the fact that the technology is still classified as an SAE Level 2 driving system, despite its name and Elon Musk’s assertions.
While Tesla’s electric vehicles are among the best-selling in the world, the rollout of FSD has been met with skepticism regarding its real-world functionality. After a period of beta testing led by owners, Tesla rebranded FSD as “Supervised” and is now on version 12.3, providing driver assist features that still require an attentive driver at all times.
Moreover, Tesla is under increasing scrutiny for its Autopilot system, which includes advanced adaptive cruise control capabilities. Regulators have requested data from the company regarding driver attention monitoring and the system’s ability to safely hand over control in case of emergencies. Despite recalling vehicles to address some issues, there have been around 20 crashes involving vehicles post-recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has demanded detailed information from Tesla on all vehicles delivered in the U.S., including Autopilot warnings, pre- and post-recall usage statistics, and the frequency of warnings to drivers to keep their hands on the wheel. This heightened scrutiny underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems in the automotive industry.