Tesla to Allow Transfer of Full Self-Driving Package to New Cars, but with a Catch
Tesla owners who have purchased the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package will soon have the option to transfer the software package to a new car. However, there are a few conditions that come with this offer. Tesla has been selling the FSD package since 2016, claiming that it has all the necessary systems for fully autonomous driving without supervision. Many customers were convinced by this promise and invested in the package, despite its limitations. The price of the FSD package has skyrocketed over the years and now stands at $15,000 in the U.S., even though it still falls short of full autonomy.
One major drawback of the FSD package was that it couldn’t be transferred to a new Tesla if the owner decided to upgrade. It remained tied to the original car. However, during Tesla’s recent earnings call with investors, Elon Musk announced that existing owners with FSD would be able to transfer the package to a new car, but only if they placed a new order within the current quarter.
To take advantage of this offer, owners must trade in their old Tesla vehicle through Tesla itself. If they were to sell their old Tesla on the used market, they would have to pay an additional $15,000 to get FSD on their new vehicle. It’s worth noting that Tesla is known for offering low trade-in values, so this may not be as favorable a deal as it initially seems.
The motive behind this offer from Tesla is clear – the company aims to boost sales by encouraging existing owners to upgrade to new vehicles while selling their old ones back to Tesla for profit. However, it remains unclear why Musk specified that the offer is only valid for new orders placed in the third quarter.
While this announcement may be exciting for Tesla owners who have been eagerly waiting for the ability to transfer their FSD package, it’s important to consider the limitations and potential costs involved. The FSD package has been a contentious topic, with many customers feeling that they haven’t received the full value for their investment. Tesla’s promises of fully autonomous driving have yet to materialize, and the high price tag of the package has left some feeling disappointed.
It’s also worth mentioning that Tesla’s trade-in offers have been criticized for being unreasonably low. Customers who choose to take advantage of the FSD transfer offer should carefully evaluate the trade-in value they receive from Tesla to ensure they are getting a fair deal.
Despite these concerns, there is still a significant market demand for Tesla vehicles and their advanced autonomous features. The ability to transfer the FSD package to a new car may be an attractive proposition for many Tesla owners who are looking to upgrade their vehicles and continue enjoying the benefits of autonomous driving technology.
In conclusion, Tesla’s decision to allow the transfer of the Full Self-Driving package to new cars is a step in the right direction for customer satisfaction. However, the conditions attached to this offer, such as trading in the old vehicle through Tesla and placing a new order within a specific timeframe, may limit its appeal. Potential buyers should carefully consider the costs and trade-in values involved before making a decision. As Tesla continues to develop its autonomous driving technology, it remains to be seen whether the FSD package will deliver on its promise of fully autonomous driving.