Tesla Shifts Full Self-Driving to Subscription-Only Model Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Tesla will discontinue one-time purchases of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after February 14, 2026, CEO Elon Musk announced. The $8,000 upfront option will vanish, leaving only the $99 monthly subscription for new buyers. Existing FSD owners who paid in full retain access—a strategic pivot as Tesla faces consecutive annual declines in vehicle sales.
The MOVE coincides with a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) probe into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. Over 50 reports of traffic violations and crashes have surfaced, casting shadows on the technology Musk champions as the company’s growth engine. No pricing changes were disclosed for the subscription model.