February 14 Marks the Cutoff
Tesla is closing the door on one-time purchases of Full Self-Driving (FSD).
The company will remove the outright buying option on February 14. After that date, customers can only access FSD through a monthly subscription.
CEO Elon Musk signaled this shift in January. Now, Tesla is executing the plan.
Currently, buyers can still purchase FSD for $8,000. That price once peaked at $15,000. However, the window is about to close.
Subscription Becomes the Only Path
Going forward, Tesla will offer FSD exclusively as a subscription.
Right now, the monthly cost sits at $99. However, Tesla has not confirmed future pricing. Many expect adjustments as the software advances.
Some industry watchers speculate Tesla could introduce tiered pricing. That structure would allow drivers to select specific features instead of paying for the full suite. Tesla has not confirmed this approach.
The shift lowers the upfront cost. At the same time, it changes how customers think about ownership.
Why Tesla Is Making the Move
A subscription model creates predictable recurring revenue. It also reduces the financial barrier for new users.
FSD’s adoption rate currently hovers around 12 percent, according to recent estimates. A lower entry price could increase that figure.
Musk also has incentives tied to subscription growth. He needs 10 million active FSD subscriptions to unlock a tranche of his latest compensation package.
So while customers weigh value, Tesla focuses on scale.
Community Reaction: Split Down the Middle
Supporters see flexibility. They like the lower upfront cost and continuous software updates. Subscriptions also simplify vehicle transfers.
Critics see long-term expense. Over several years, monthly payments could exceed the former $8,000 purchase price. Others worry about price hikes or feature changes.
The debate reflects a broader industry shift. Automakers increasingly treat software as a service, not a product.
Tesla’s next steps — especially pricing — will shape how drivers respond.
The era of owning FSD outright is ending. The era of subscribing has begun.
