Tesla has officially removed the option for customers in the United States to purchase its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software suite outright. This move aligns with a previous announcement made by CEO Elon Musk in January, signaling a shift towards a subscription-only model for the advanced driver-assistance system in the U.S.
Shift to Subscription Model
Previously, customers could purchase the FSD suite for a one-time fee of $8,000, granting them access for the vehicle’s lifespan. However, Tesla is now exclusively offering FSD as a monthly subscription, priced at $99 per month in the U.S. This strategic pivot aims to encourage broader adoption of the subscription program.
Reasons Behind the Change
Several factors are attributed to Tesla’s decision to phase out the outright purchase option. One significant driver is a clause within CEO Elon Musk’s pay package, which requires 10 million active FSD subscriptions. This incentivizes the company to focus on recurring revenue streams.
Consumer Concerns and Future Pricing
While the transition to a subscription model is now in effect in the U.S., concerns linger regarding the current monthly price and its potential future increases. Musk has indicated that the subscription cost is expected to rise as the software’s capabilities improve. This has led to discussions among owners and industry observers about the long-term affordability and appeal of FSD at potentially higher price points.
Some in the Tesla community are advocating for alternative pricing structures, such as tiered subscription options that allow users to select specific features, or flexible payment plans including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rates. Such models could potentially encourage more owners to opt for longer-term commitments.
Website Update Reflects New Policy
Tesla updated its official website to reflect the discontinuation of the outright purchase option for FSD in the U.S. This change, effective on Sunday morning, confirms the end of an era for one-time FSD purchases in the American market.
For reference, a tweet from TESLARATI on February 15, 2026, showed the website update: 🚨 Tesla has officially moved the outright purchase option for FSD on its website pic.twitter.com/RZt1oIevB3