Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta: An Overview
On October 20, Elon Musk announced via Twitter that the “FSD beta rollout is happening tonight.” Consequently, Tesla’s highly anticipated “Full Self-Driving” feature, which claims to deliver fully autonomous systems, is now entering beta testing with a select group of real-world Tesla owners. However, the testing strategy raises eyebrows due to its unconventional nature.
Unlike other automotive companies that conduct self-driving tests with trained staff or engineers who can intervene if necessary, Tesla relies on everyday drivers for beta testing. Previously, incidents involving poorly monitored tests, such as a fatal accident during Uber’s autonomous trials, have made headlines, leading to greater scrutiny of self-driving technologies. Elon Musk assured that the rollout would be “extremely slow & cautious” and “limited to a small number of expert drivers,” yet there is still skepticism regarding effective implementation.
The specific capabilities of the Full Self-Driving beta remain ambiguous. Tesla has not released definitive information about the extent of the beta’s capabilities, nor has it clarified the restrictions or safety protocols in place for these beta testers. Consequently, aside from Musk’s statements, there are no comprehensive insights or public relations input available, as Tesla has recently disbanded its PR team.
What Is Full Self-Driving?
Tesla’s autonomous driving technologies mark a significant advancement for the automaker. Currently, Tesla offers the Autopilot feature, which integrates adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping technology, allowing vehicles to travel without driver intervention for prolonged periods. Autopilot is capable of performing on-demand lane changes while utilizing blind-spot monitoring to ensure safe transitions.
Full Self-Driving software relies on additional hardware, including sensors that all Tesla vehicles have had installed for some time. Currently, customers can purchase the FSD package for $8,000, with the understanding that early adopters will receive features through software updates at a lower rate than future purchasers may face.
Features Included in Full Self-Driving:
- Navigate on Autopilot (Beta): Guides your car from on-ramp to off-ramp, including lane changes and engaging turn signals automatically.
- Auto Lane Change: Assists with moving to an adjacent lane when Autosteer is active.
- Autopark: Helps your vehicle parallel or perpendicular park with a single touch.
- Summon: Enables your vehicle to navigate tight spaces using a mobile app.
- Smart Summon: Guides your vehicle through complex parking environments to find you.
- Traffic and Stop Sign Control (Beta): Identifies traffic lights and stop signs, slowing the vehicle appropriately with driver supervision.
- Upcoming: Autosteer on city streets.
Recent videos of the FSD beta demonstrate features such as Smart Summon and Traffic and Stop Sign Control in action. While it appears that Tesla has made significant strides towards achieving Full Self-Driving capabilities, it is essential to note that the technology still demands active driver engagement and attentiveness. Tesla’s official communication emphasizes that the features currently available do not make the vehicle autonomous.
The potential of Full Self-Driving is immense, but vigilance is required. As Musk has stated, “Use Full Self-Driving in limited beta only if you will pay constant attention to the road and be prepared to act immediately, especially around blind corners and in narrow driving situations.” It is equally important to recognize that the system may not always perform as expected, highlighting the ongoing need for proper oversight in autonomous vehicle operations.
