Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has issued a new directive to his staff. In an email, he mandated that Tesla employees must give demonstrations of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode to new customers. Musk believes that “almost no one” understands how well the software works. The FSD software is a driver-assist add-on that Tesla owners can purchase for $199 per month or $12,000.
Short Test Rides for New Customers
According to a leaked email, Musk has instructed Tesla employees to give new customers a ”short test ride” using the carmaker’s latest Full Self-Driving software. This information was first reported by a Tesla fan and later confirmed by Business Insider. In the early morning email to staff, Musk stated that it was “mandatory” for staff to install and activate the FSD software on the vehicle and give a test drive.
“Almost no one actually realizes how well (supervised) FSD actually works,” Musk wrote. “I know this will slow down the delivery process, but it is nonetheless a hard requirement.” Musk also sent a follow-up email to the entire company, instructing staff to give customers demos after the vehicles are returned from service centers.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Software
All current Tesla models come with the carmaker’s Autopilot driver-assist program. Tesla owners can also buy the company’s Full Self-Driving beta feature for $12,000 or through a $199 monthly subscription. This beta feature enables the vehicle to automatically change lanes, enter and exit highways, recognize stop signs and traffic lights, and park. Both programs still require a licensed driver to monitor the system at all times, and Tesla’s AI system collects driver data to improve the system as drivers use it.
Tesla regularly rolls out new versions of FSD using over-the-air updates. The recent version of FSD, V12.3.1 started coming out this month, Musk said. “Three significant improvements to FSD will roll out roughly every two weeks,” Musk wrote earlier in March. “Should be really shining bright by late April or early May.”
Regulatory Scrutiny
Over the past few years, Tesla has come under increased scrutiny from regulators over the self-driving software and the company’s marketing of the services.