At a Glance
- Elon Musk says Feb. 14 is the last day to buy Tesla FSD outright
- After that date, Full Self-Driving will be monthly subscription only
- Current FSD price is $15,000 when bought at delivery
- Why it matters: Buyers who want lifetime access must pay up before Valentine’s Day
Tesla will end sales of its Full Self-Driving package as a one-time purchase after Feb. 14, Elon Musk announced early Wednesday. The move forces customers onto a monthly subscription model and ends the option to pay a flat fee for lifetime access.
Musk revealed the change on his social platform X, writing that “Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14. FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription.”
Shift to Subscription-Only
Until now, buyers could add FSD to a new vehicle order for $15,000 at delivery or pay $12,000 after delivery. After Feb. 14, those lump-sum options disappear. Customers will have to subscribe at $199 per month, or $99 per month if they already have Enhanced Autopilot.
The switch means drivers who keep vehicles for more than six years would pay more in subscription fees than the current one-time price. Tesla has not said whether it will cap total subscription costs or offer annual discounts.
What FSD Currently Offers
FSD is classified as a Level 2 driver-assistance system. Features include:
- Navigate on Autopilot on highways
- Auto lane changes
- Autopark
- Summon and Smart Summon
- Traffic and stop sign control
- Autosteer on city streets (Beta)
Drivers must keep hands on the wheel and remain ready to take control. Tesla says the software does not make the vehicle autonomous.
Financial Impact
Ending the flat-fee option could boost Tesla’s recurring revenue. A customer who subscribes for five years at $199 per month would pay $11,940, nearly matching today’s post-delivery price. Long-term owners would eventually pay more under the subscription model.
Tesla does not break out FSD revenue in earnings reports, but News Of Los Angeles noted that the company has deferred portions of past FSD sales while the product remains incomplete.
Reaction From Owners
Owners in online forums have mixed views. Some prefer the lower upfront cost of a subscription, especially if they lease vehicles or plan to sell within a few years. Others dislike the idea of paying indefinitely for features they already expected to own.
One user on the Tesla Motors Club forum wrote, “I paid $10,000 for FSD in 2021. Now I either keep the car forever or lose that investment if I sell.”
Regulatory Scrutiny
The change comes as federal and state regulators continue to examine Tesla’s marketing of FSD. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened multiple investigations into accidents involving Autopilot and FSD.
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of deceptive advertising for calling the package “Full Self-Driving” when the car cannot drive itself. Tesla has denied wrongdoing and is contesting the charge.
Timeline of Key FSD Pricing Moves
| Date | Action | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 2016 | FSD first offered for future activation | $3,000 |
| July 2021 | Price raised | $10,000 |
| Sept. 2022 | Price raised | $15,000 |
| Feb. 2024 | Subscription-only after Feb. 14 | $199/mo |
What Happens After Feb. 14
Customers who want lifetime FSD access must complete their purchase before Feb. 14. Tesla’s online configurator will remove the checkbox to add FSD at checkout after that date.
Existing owners who have not yet bought FSD can still purchase it through the Tesla app until the deadline. After Feb. 14, the only option will be to subscribe.
The company has not indicated whether prices will change again or if regional variations will apply.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla is ending the ability to buy FSD as a one-time purchase after Feb. 14
- Monthly subscription will be the only way to access the driver-assist features
- Long-term owners may pay more under the new model
- Regulators continue to review Tesla’s self-driving claims
