Tesla is offering a one-month trial of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology to both existing and new customers in the United States, according to CEO Elon Musk and the company’s website. The move comes as Tesla faces pressure on sales and margins due to price competition and weakening demand.
FSD is an optional add-on priced at $12,000 that allows vehicles to navigate city streets. Although Tesla refers to its driver-assisting systems as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, the company emphasizes that these features do not make its vehicles autonomous and require active driver supervision. Musk has historically fallen short of achieving full autonomy as promised, prompting regulatory scrutiny over the safety and marketing of Tesla’s driver assistant software.
Elon Musk announced on social media platform X that all US cars capable of FSD will be enabled for a one-month trial this week. The trial is being offered on new sales of Tesla models X, S, and Y, according to the company’s website. Meanwhile, Tesla’s margins have suffered from a price war with competitors that began over a year ago, leading the company to forecast slower sales growth this year as it focuses on producing its next-generation EV, codenamed “Redwood.”
In addition to facing pressure on sales and margins, Tesla is also contending with increased regulatory scrutiny of its self-driving systems and other areas in both the United States and certain European countries. In December, Tesla recalled nearly all 2 million vehicles on U.S. roads to implement new safety measures.