Is a Tesla Full Self-Driving Subscription Worth It in 2024?

With Elon Musk doubling down on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, many might consider it a wise investment. However, Musk’s history of over-promising and under-delivering is a valid reason for potential buyers to pause and consider carefully.

Fortunately, for those uncertain about committing to a full purchase, there’s a more affordable alternative: the Tesla Full Self-Driving subscription.

In this post, we will explore what the Tesla Full Self-Driving subscription entails and discuss various scenarios where it might or might not be the right choice for you.

What is a Tesla Full Self-Driving subscription?

Before discussing whether or not a Tesla FSD subscription is worth it, let’s dive into what it is all about. If you’re hesitant about shelling out the big bucks for a full FSD purchase, Tesla has got you covered with a more flexible option.

A Tesla FSD subscription is essentially a month-to-month plan that lets you access all the features of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package without committing to a hefty one-time payment. Think of it like subscribing to Netflix but for your car’s driving capabilities. You get all the bells and whistles – like auto lane changes, autopark, navigate on autopilot, and traffic light recognition – but you pay a monthly fee instead of an upfront cost.

Tesla FSD Subscription Canada

Alongside offering a one-month free trial for all capable vehicles in early 2024, Tesla has expanded its Full Self-Driving subscription service to Canada. In addition to this trial, Tesla has also reduced the subscription cost, making it more accessible for Canadian drivers.

This move allows more Tesla owners in Canada to experience the advanced features of FSD without committing to a full purchase, providing flexibility and affordability for those interested in exploring Tesla’s cutting-edge technology.

What does Tesla FSD subscription cost?

The Tesla FSD subscription currently costs $99 per month in both the US and Canada, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the substantial upfront cost of buying it outright. Given the high purchase price, opting for the subscription can be a smart move, especially since it would take years of ownership to break even.

Most owners are likely to sell their Tesla before reaching that point, making the subscription a more practical choice. While purchasing FSD outright might slightly boost resale value, this benefit has proven to be negligible.

Doing the Math: Subscription vs. Outright Purchase

To determine which option makes the most financial sense, let’s break down the costs over time.

Subscription Costs in the USA:

• Monthly subscription cost: $99
• Annual cost: $99 x 12 = $1,188
• Cost over 5 years: $1,188 x 5 = $5,940
• Cost over 7 years: $1,188 x 7 = $8,316

Outright Purchase in the USA:

• One-time purchase cost: $8,000

Analysis:

• 5-Year Ownership: If you plan to own your Tesla for 5 years, the subscription would cost you $5,940, which is $2,060 less than the $8,000 outright purchase price.
• 7-Year Ownership: If you keep your Tesla for 7 years, the subscription would cost $8,316, which slightly exceeds the outright purchase price by $316.

Considerations:

• Flexibility: The subscription offers flexibility, allowing you to cancel and renew based on your needs. This is particularly useful if your driving habits change or if you don’t need FSD year-round.
• Long-Term Commitment: If you are confident you will keep your Tesla for more than 7 years and consistently use FSD, purchasing outright could eventually be cheaper.
• Resale Value: While buying FSD outright might add some value to your vehicle, this increase has generally been minimal and often doesn’t justify the upfront cost.
• Tesla can adjust FSD subscription cost or purchase price at any moment.

If you plan on owning your Tesla for less than 7 years, the subscription offers a more cost-effective and flexible option. However, if you’re committed to a longer ownership period and frequent use of FSD, buying outright could be more economical in the long run. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific driving needs and financial preferences.

Is Tesla FSD Worth It? – Factors to Consider

So, with the FSD subscription offering great value, should you sign up without hesitation? Not necessarily. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if Tesla FSD is worth it for you.

Pros

1. Flexible Commitment

• The subscription allows you to experience all the features of Tesla FSD without a long-term commitment or hefty upfront cost.

2. Advanced Features

• Enjoy features like auto lane change, navigate on autopilot, autopark, and traffic light recognition. These can significantly enhance your driving experience, especially during long commutes or road trips.

3. Reduced Driving Fatigue

• Using autopilot can make your daily commute less taxing, reducing the overall stress of driving and allowing you to arrive at your destination more relaxed.

4. Improved City Driving

• FSD has shown noticeable improvements in city driving. Features like smart summon and traffic light recognition make navigating urban areas more seamless.

Cons

1. Limited Practical Use

• Some users find that they only use a few of the advanced features regularly. For example, during a three-month road trip, the only feature I found myself consistently using was the auto lane change. This might not justify the $99 per month cost for some.

2. Constant Supervision Required

• Despite its name, Full Self-Driving still requires driver awareness and interaction. It’s not a fully hands-off experience, which can be a drawback if you’re expecting complete autonomy.

3. Cost vs. Benefit

• While the subscription is more affordable than the outright purchase, $99 per month can still add up. If you don’t drive frequently or don’t utilize the advanced features often, it might not be worth the expense.

4. Trial Experience

• During a one-month trial of FSD V12, I found the improvements enjoyable, especially for city driving. However, it wasn’t compelling enough to justify a monthly payment of $100. You can read my full Tesla FSD V12 review here.

So, Is a Tesla FSD Subscription Worth it?

If you have a daily commute or frequently take long drives, the Tesla FSD subscription might offer significant value by reducing driving fatigue and enhancing your overall driving experience. However, if you only use your car occasionally or don’t find the advanced features particularly useful, it might be better to stick with the standard autopilot. The subscription provides a great way to test out the features without a large financial commitment, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your driving habits and needs.

Despite recent improvements, the Tesla FSD subscription is primarily worth it if you are a daily commuter or plan to use it for specific purposes like road trips. While it’s a nice-to-have feature, it’s not yet essential for most drivers. Given Tesla’s history, once the FSD becomes a must-have, the current $99 monthly price point will likely increase…or decrease. Anyone’s guess what Elon may do…

My advice is to try it out for yourself and decide. The best part of the Tesla FSD subscription is the flexibility to cancel and renew at any time, making it a much better option than spending tens of thousands of dollars for a permanent installation. I’m going to give it another go on my Chat GPT EV road trip experience and then cancel.

So, is the Tesla FSD subscription worth it to you? Let me know your thoughts and experience in the comments below.