Tesla discontinues Autopilot in bid to boost adoption of its Full Self-Driving software

In a bold move to enhance the uptake of its advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, Tesla has decided to discontinue its basic driver-assistance system, Autopilot. This change comes in response to a recent legal ruling in California, where a judge found that Tesla had misrepresented the capabilities of both Autopilot and FSD, leading to a temporary suspension of its manufacturing and dealer licenses in the state. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) initiated the case, which led to the judge's ruling in December. As a result, Tesla has been given a 60-day grace period to comply by removing the Autopilot name from its offerings. Previously, Autopilot combined features such as Traffic Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer, but customers will now find that new vehicles come equipped only with Traffic Aware Cruise Control. Adding to the excitement, Tesla recently announced a shift in its pricing strategy for FSD. Starting February 14, the company will eliminate the one-time $8,000 fee for the software, transitioning to a monthly subscription model priced at $99. However, CEO Elon Musk hinted that subscription fees may rise as the software's capabilities expand. Musk envisions a future where Tesla vehicles can drive themselves without any supervision, allowing passengers to engage in activities like browsing their phones or even sleeping during the journey. Despite this optimistic outlook, the rollout of FSD has not met the high expectations set by Tesla's leadership. As of October 2025, only 12% of Tesla owners had opted for the FSD software, a stark reminder of the challenges the company faces in convincing consumers of its value. In a significant development, Tesla has also introduced the first robotaxi versions of its Model Y SUVs in Austin, Texas, which operate without any human safety personnel onboard. These vehicles utilize a more advanced iteration of Tesla's driving software, although they are still monitored by company vehicles. Since the inception of Autopilot in the early 2010s, a period marked by ambitious promises and communication challenges, Tesla has grappled with public perception of its technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recorded numerous incidents linked to Autopilot, underscoring the importance of clear communication regarding the software's true capabilities.