Tesla FSD subscription is becoming the company’s primary way to access Full Self Driving, marking a clear shift away from upfront software purchases. The automaker will end one time FSD sales after February 14, 2026, moving customers fully to a monthly pricing model.
Elon Musk confirmed the change, explaining that Tesla wants to make Full Self Driving more accessible. Until the deadline, buyers can still purchase FSD outright for about $8,000 in the U.S., while the monthly subscription remains available at roughly $99.
Tesla is also refining its online Design Studio to better surface Full Self Driving choices during vehicle configuration. The updated layout will clearly show available plans and include preview videos so buyers can see how the system works before committing.
Elon Musk says Tesla’s Full Self Driving strategy is driven by long term software and AI leadership, not short term hardware competition. In a recent discussion on Tesla’s autonomous strategy, Musk argued that rival self driving platforms remain years behind Tesla’s real world data advantage supporting the company’s confidence in a subscription first FSD model.
FSD Options Shown in the Design Studio:
- Monthly FSD subscription
- One time purchase, available only until Feb 14, 2026
- Free trial in select regions
The company plans to expand FSD trial access to encourage adoption by reducing upfront commitment. This approach gives drivers hands on experience before choosing a subscription.
Key Requirements for FSD Subscription:
| Requirement | Details |
| Hardware | Full Self Driving Computer version 3 or newer |
| Software | Basic Autopilot or Enhanced Autopilot required |
| Upgrades | Hardware upgrades not included |
Tesla continues to classify Full Self Driving as a supervised driver assistance system. Drivers must stay attentive and ready to take control at all times.
