Tesla introduces FSD in Australia... sort of

TESLA now offers Australian customers an optional full self-driving function on its latest Model Y and Model 3 vehicles, although it’s not fully driverless (autonomous), as the system requires active “supervision” from the driver at all times.

Confusingly called Full Self-Driving (FSD), the supervised system comprises Tesla’s suite of advanced driver assistance features and Australia is the first right-hand drive markets in the world where FSD is being made publicly available.

In essence, on-board cameras with 360-degree vision check blind spots and manoeuvre the vehicle into a neighbouring lane while maintaining speed and avoiding bikes, motorcycles and other cars.

It is available now as an upgrade for all Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with HW4 (Hardware 4) which is the latest generation of the manufacturer’s self-driving hardware.

HW4 features more robust computing power, higher-resolution cameras with improved low-light performance and optional advanced radar enabling enhanced driver-assist and full self-driving capabilities.

Tesla says it will be releasing FSD (Supervised) to customers with eligible vehicles who have purchased the Full Self-Driving Capability from 22 September “so that as many customers as possible can wake in the morning, update their vehicles and drive to work with FSD activated”.

Furthermore, eligible customers will be able to upgrade their vehicle to enable FSD through an ‘over-the-air’ update from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

Tesla says customers who have already taken delivery of an eligible vehicle without purchasing Full Self-Driving Capability can upgrade by purchasing the FSD package, the BEV specialist also looking to make FSD available soon via a subscription model for eligible vehicles at $149 per month.

However, it is careful to point out that “FSD is a hands-on feature that must be used by a fully attentive driver with additional caution and does not make the vehicle autonomous”.

“Drivers must maintain proper control of the vehicle at all times, pay attention and be prepared to take immediate action at any moment,” it added.

“FSD does not make the vehicle autonomous. FSD is an advanced driver assistance system that is intended to be used only with a fully attentive driver.

“It does not turn a Tesla into a fully autonomous vehicle.”

Tesla Australia says it is looking to make test drives of vehicles with FSD activated available to customers at Tesla locations across Australia and New Zealand soon.

To allay any fears associated with the new system, Tesla says it uses “billions of miles of anonymous real-world driving data to train FSD (Supervised) to take care of the most stressful parts of daily driving while helping make the roads safer for vehicle owners and others”.

When FSD is enabled, Tesla vehicles can drive people almost anywhere requiring minimal intervention although still under the driver’s active supervision.