The Pros and Cons of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta Program
Introduction
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has been promising fully-autonomous vehicles for years. While the promise remains unfulfilled, Tesla owners now have the opportunity to enroll in the “Full Self-Driving” Beta program. This program offers a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for a fee of $15,000. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta program.
The Benefits of Full Self-Driving Beta
1. Early Access to Advanced Features
By enrolling in the Full Self-Driving Beta program, Tesla owners gain early access to advanced features that are not available to the general public. These features include Autosteer, Navigate on Autopilot, and Auto Lane Change. This early access allows Tesla owners to experience cutting-edge technology and potentially benefit from increased convenience and safety.
2. Continuous Software Updates
Tesla is known for its frequent software updates, which often introduce new features and improvements to existing functionalities. By participating in the Full Self-Driving Beta program, owners can expect to receive regular updates that enhance the capabilities of their vehicles. This ensures that Tesla owners stay at the forefront of autonomous driving technology.
3. Potential for Future Full Autonomy
While Tesla’s promise of fully-autonomous vehicles by next year remains unfulfilled, enrolling in the Full Self-Driving Beta program may bring owners one step closer to that reality. By collecting data and feedback from program participants, Tesla can refine and improve its autonomous driving technology. This feedback loop could potentially accelerate the development of full autonomy in the future.
The Drawbacks of Full Self-Driving Beta
1. High Cost
Enrolling in the Full Self-Driving Beta program comes with a hefty price tag of $15,000. This cost may be prohibitive for many Tesla owners, especially considering that the program is non-transferable. The high cost of entry limits access to advanced features and potential benefits to a select group of Tesla owners.
2. Limited Autonomy
Despite the name “Full Self-Driving,” it’s important to note that the Full Self-Driving Beta program only offers a Level 2 ADAS system. This means that while the system can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking, it still requires human supervision and intervention. The program does not provide true full autonomy as initially promised by Elon Musk.
3. Uncertainty and Reliability
As with any beta program, there is an inherent level of uncertainty and potential for bugs or glitches. Tesla owners who enroll in the Full Self-Driving Beta program must be willing to accept the risks associated with using pre-release software. This includes the possibility of unexpected behavior or system failures, which could compromise safety and reliability.
Conclusion
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta program offers early access to advanced features and continuous software updates, potentially bringing owners closer to full autonomy in the future. However, the high cost, limited autonomy, and uncertainties associated with beta software are important factors to consider before enrolling in the program. As Tesla continues to develop its autonomous driving technology, it is crucial for owners to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and preferences.
