Tesla Set to Introduce Supervised Full Self-Driving Features in Australia and New Zealand
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, Inc., has teased that the next major version of the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, FSD V14, could begin rolling out as early as September. This marks a significant milestone for Tesla as it marks the first time their hands-free driving technology is available in right-hand drive (RHD) markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
The launch of FSD in these regions continues Tesla's push forward in its global rollout of the technology. Australia and New Zealand now join a select group of countries where FSD is available, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and China.
Every new Tesla sold in Australia comes with a complimentary 30-day free trial of FSD (Supervised). Customers can purchase the software outright for $10,100 AUD (approximately $6,600 USD) or subscribe through a monthly plan. Local subscription pricing has yet to be disclosed.
Tesla's FSD software has been met with praise from Australian car review channel Chasing Cars, who noted that the software is "better than probably 60% of the drivers on Australian roads." Videos of the first real-world consumer tests of FSD in Australia have already begun surfacing online.
The rollout of FSD (Supervised) in Australia and New Zealand is part of Tesla's path toward global deployment of its driver-assistance technology. Musk has claimed the update will be two to three times safer and better than human drivers. However, it's important to note that while FSD enables hands-free driving on public roads, it does not allow eyes-off driving.
Initially, the software will be available for HW4-equipped Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Tesla has not specified a timeline for the wider release of the software beyond an expectation that it will happen over time. The company has officially launched FSD (Supervised) in Australia and New Zealand, following regulatory review in both countries and final validation.
The announcement was expected on Friday, August 29, following Australian media teasers about a major announcement from Tesla. As Tesla continues to test the waters for its next big step toward autonomy, it's clear that the company is committed to making its advanced driver-assistance technology accessible to more and more drivers around the world.
