Tesla is set to make a significant shift in how customers access its advanced driver-assistance technology, with boss Elon Musk announcing the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will become subscription-only after a key date next month.
The End of the One-Off Payment
From 14 February 2026, Tesla will cease offering its FSD (Supervised) package for a single upfront payment. Currently, electric vehicle owners in the United States can choose between a one-time purchase costing $8,000 or a monthly subscription at $99. After the February deadline, the monthly fee will be the only option for gaining access to the controversial system.
The move signals a strategic pivot for the automaker, aiming to create a recurring revenue stream from its software features. It comes as Tesla continues to roll out and refine its autonomous driving capabilities in various markets, including the UK, where its systems have been tested on complex road layouts like multi-lane roundabouts.
Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies
The subscription shift announcement coincides with heightened regulatory attention in the US. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an open investigation into approximately 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD system.
The probe was launched following over 50 reports detailing potential traffic-safety violations and crashes linked to the technology. Regulators are examining whether the system adequately ensures driver attention and compliance with road laws.
In a related development, the NHTSA is also making inquiries about a new and unofficially named driver assistance mode. Referred to as 'Mad Max' in some reports, this mode is alleged to permit vehicles to operate at higher speeds in certain conditions. The agency has reiterated that, regardless of the software mode engaged, the human driver retains full responsibility for the vehicle's operation and must obey all traffic safety laws.
Implications for the Future of Driving
This transition to a subscription model for core vehicle functionality reflects a broader industry trend towards software-defined cars. For consumers, it changes the calculus of ownership, moving a major cost from the initial purchase to an ongoing operational expense.
For regulators and safety advocates, the change occurs against a backdrop of persistent questions about the readiness and safety of such systems. The outcome of the NHTSA's extensive investigation could have significant repercussions for Tesla and the wider development of autonomous driving technology globally.
UK drivers and observers will be watching closely, as decisions made in the US often influence the rollout and regulation of Tesla's features in other countries. The company's ability to navigate these regulatory challenges while shifting its business model will be a critical test in the coming year.
