Tesla (TSLA) Stock: Full Self-Driving Software Becomes Subscription-Only After Feb 14

TLDR

• Tesla will stop selling Full Self-Driving software as a one-time purchase after February 14, 2026, CEO Elon Musk announced
• The $8,000 upfront payment option will be eliminated, leaving only the $99 monthly subscription available for new buyers
• The change affects new customers only; existing FSD owners who paid upfront will likely keep their access
• NHTSA is investigating 2.88 million Tesla vehicles with FSD following over 50 reports of traffic violations and crashes
• Musk is banking on self-driving technology as a growth driver as Tesla faces two consecutive years of declining car sales

Tesla will eliminate the option to buy Full Self-Driving software outright after February 14. CEO Elon Musk made the announcement on X, stating the technology will only be available through monthly subscriptions moving forward.

Tesla, Inc., TSLA

The company currently offers two ways to get FSD. Customers can pay $8,000 upfront or subscribe for $99 monthly. After the February cutoff, only the subscription option remains for new buyers.

Musk didn’t reveal any changes to the $99 monthly price. He also didn’t explain what happens to customers who already paid the full amount. Those existing purchases will likely remain active.

The shift comes as Tesla leans harder into autonomous driving as a revenue stream. The company has experienced declining car sales for two straight years. Musk has repeatedly positioned self-driving technology and robotics as Tesla’s future growth engines.

FSD operates in the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and New Zealand. Tesla plans to expand to additional regions in future updates.

What FSD Actually Does

The system helps with semi-autonomous navigation and responds to traffic lights and stop signs. It assists with lane changes and handles self-parking. Tesla labels it as FSD (Supervised) for passenger vehicles.

Despite the name, drivers must stay alert and ready to take control. The system requires supervision and intervention when needed. Basic Autopilot helps vehicles accelerate, brake, and maintain lanes on highways. FSD adds the ability to change lanes and follow traffic signals on city streets.

Safety Investigation Underway

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles last year. The probe covers cars equipped with the FSD system. NHTSA received over 50 reports of traffic-safety violations and crashes involving FSD.

Tesla uses an unsupervised version of the software at its factories. The system moves cars from assembly lines to delivery lots. Passenger vehicles require the supervised version with human oversight.

The subscription-only model could help Tesla generate steady recurring revenue. Monthly payments provide predictable income compared to one-time purchases. The company gets continued payments from users rather than a single upfront fee.

New buyers won’t have the option to pay the full amount after February 14. Current subscription users won’t be able to switch to a one-time purchase later. The change applies exclusively to future customers.

Tesla stock holds a Hold rating from analysts. The consensus price target of $401.93 suggests 10.1% downside from current levels. Shares have gained 12.8% over the past year.

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