Tesla Removes Autopilot: Why This Matters for Drivers and the EV Industry

Tesla removes Autopilot in tech downgrade.

Tesla has done it again — stirred up the EV world with a change that has many fans, owners, and industry watchers asking the same question: why?

In the latest Tesla autopilot news, the company quietly removed Autopilot as a standard feature across its vehicles. Instead, buyers now get only traffic-aware cruise control, a far more basic form of driver assistance.

As someone who has road-tripped across Canada and Europe in EVs — including long stretches from Vancouver to Newfoundland — I’ve had countless hours of experience using Tesla Autopilot and even Full Self-Driving (FSD).

So here’s my take on why this is a bigger deal than it may seem, how it reflects a troubling trend from Tesla, and why it could be a turning point for EV buyers.

Let’s dig into what’s changed, and why it might feel like the goalposts keep moving.

What Is Tesla Autopilot — and What It’s Not

Tesla’s Autopilot has long been advertised as a revolutionary semi-autonomous feature, but let’s clear up some confusion. Autopilot is not Full Self-Driving (FSD). Here’s a breakdown:

• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the car ahead. This is now the new base feature.
• Autopilot: Adds lane-keeping and steering within a lane. Previously standard.
• Full Self-Driving (FSD): Adds navigation on autopilot, automatic lane changes, traffic light and stop sign recognition, and limited city street driving. Still in beta.

For most drivers — especially on long road trips — the true value comes from Autopilot. As Louis Rossmann points out in his recent video, FSD adds maybe 10% more functionality for most users, while Autopilot covers 90% of the benefits.

Removing that 90% from the base offering feels like a major step back.

The Subscription-Only Shift for FSD

Tesla also recently announced it is removing the ability to purchase FSD outright — transitioning fully to a $99/month subscription model. I reviewed this FSD subscription model here and came away mixed. On one hand, subscriptions lower the upfront cost. But they also kill the resale value proposition and chip away at ownership. That said, I’m not convinced the resale value is there.

Pairing that shift with the Tesla removes autopilot news? It feels coordinated. Now, if you want meaningful semi-autonomous driving features, you’re funneled into monthly payments. Whether you’re keeping your Tesla for three years or ten, that adds up — and makes the car feel more like a service than a product.

tesla autopilot news – Another Moved Goalpost

Tesla has a history of promising more than it delivers — especially with Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Elon Musk famously claimed that Tesla would achieve full autonomy by the end of 2020. We’re now in 2026, and FSD is still in beta.

I don’t say that lightly. As someone who enjoys driving EVs and often defends Tesla’s innovation, even I feel jaded by this pattern. People have shelled out $10,000 or more based on promises that haven’t come to fruition. And now the company is taking away features that were once standard.

It’s hard not to view this as a cash grab — whether to increase profit margins, drive up FSD subscriptions, or (as Rossmann speculates) help Elon hit his bonus triggers tied to active FSD subscriptions.

Comparing Tesla Autopilot Alternatives

Here’s where it gets more frustrating. While Tesla is removing Autopilot, other EV makers are adding similar — if not better — driver assistance features as standard:

• Rivian includes highway assist and lane centering in its R1T and R1S. Their upcoming R2 platform is expected to improve this further. Read more on Rivian’s AI and autonomy plans.
• BYD, the Chinese EV giant, is rapidly expanding into North America. Their latest models offer advanced driver-assist features out of the box — and their upcoming Canadian lineup may make Autopilot look outdated. Here’s one source previewing what BYD brings.
• Hyundai and Kia EVs now feature Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), combining adaptive cruise and lane centering — all standard.

Even the humble Toyota Corolla now offers lane centering. Louis Rossmann rightly points out: you get more lane assist features in a $23,000 Corolla than a $43,000 Model 3.

Make that make sense.

Is Tesla Autopilot Still Worth It?

If you’re buying a new Tesla today, you’re now paying extra for something that used to be free. The Tesla Autopilot cost isn’t just financial — it’s a trust issue. Will Tesla remove more features in the future? Will your car age worse than you thought because core features vanish behind a paywall?

Personally, I’ve used Autopilot and FSD on some of the most scenic drives I’ve ever done — like my Swiss Alps EV road trip or this epic drive to the Arctic Ocean. It’s genuinely a helpful feature.

But if I were shopping today? I’d be looking hard at alternatives. This is just another reason why I am shifting to Rivan with the release of the R2.

The Bigger Problem: Trust

This isn’t just about driver assistance. It’s about Tesla moving the line again — making customers pay for features they were once promised.

Combine this with Tesla Autopilot issues, misleading marketing, and the now $99/month subscription push, and it becomes clear: Tesla is redefining what “ownership” means in a way that benefits Tesla — not drivers.

And while I’m still impressed with the tech, it doesn’t make up for the Tesla Autopilot not working the way many thought it would — especially when they paid thousands more expecting a smarter car.

Tesla removes autopilot: What Do You Think?

I want to hear from you. If you’re a Tesla owner, how do you feel about Autopilot no longer being standard? If you bought Full Self-Driving outright, are you satisfied with the resale value? Or do you feel burned by a feature that’s still in beta years later?

And if you’re considering a Tesla today, does this change your mind?

Let me know in the comments — or tag me on social media. I’m genuinely curious how the Tesla community is reacting.

And if you’re exploring other upgrades or ways to enjoy your EV experience, check out:

• Apple CarPlay in Teslas
• Affordable HUDs for Tesla
• The controversial Autopilot weight trick

FAQ: Tesla Autopilot Issues