In the recent Q2 2023 earnings call, Tesla dropped a bombshell that had both investors and Tesla enthusiasts buzzing with excitement and concern. After years of staunchly refusing to allow the transfer of Fully Autonomous Driving (FSD) capability between cars, Elon Musk announced a one-time amnesty, permitting current owners to transfer FSD to their new Tesla purchase. However, there's a catch—the offer is only valid during the third quarter, which ends in September.
Tesla's FSD Journey So Far
Back in 2016, Tesla introduced the tantalizing concept of FSD Capability, promising that fully autonomous driving was on the horizon. However, the realization of that promise has been delayed, and the price of the FSD software has soared. Today, it stands at $19,500 in Canada and $15,000 in the United States, leaving current owners hesitant to upgrade to newer Tesla models without incurring additional software costs for FSD they've already purchased.
The Surprising Turn of Events
During the recent earnings call, Elon Musk surprised everyone by announcing the limited-time FSD transferability offer. Tesla owners looking to buy a new car can now take their FSD with them, but only if they order the new car during the current quarter (Q3 2023). Musk emphasized that this is a one-time opportunity and won't be repeated in the future.
"We are pleased to announce that in the third quarter we will allow the transfer of FSD. This is a one-time amnesty, and you will need to take advantage of it in the third quarter, or at least place your order within a reasonable delivery time in the third quarter. I hope this makes people happy that this is a one-time thing and we won't be doing this again," Musk declared.
Mixed Reactions from Tesla Owners
The news has sparked mixed reactions among Tesla owners. For those planning to buy a new Tesla, this is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise, as they can now keep their FSD investment without having to repurchase it for their next car. However, there is a significant number of Tesla enthusiasts who feel disappointed that the offer is only valid for such a short time, especially given the impending launch of the new Project Highland Model 3, which many owners are eagerly anticipating.
Unclear Program Details
At present, the details of the FSD transfer program remain unclear. One potential concern is whether Tesla will require owners to trade-in their current vehicles, as Tesla's trade-in values have been known to be lower than market expectations.
Owner's Aspirations: A More Reasonable Approach
While the one-time FSD transferability offer is a step in the right direction, some Tesla owners believe a more reasonable approach would be to allow a transfer with no expiration date. Alternatively, extending the time limit beyond the next two and a half months to one or two years could offer owners a more flexible and satisfying experience.
The limited-time FSD transferability offer marks a significant shift in Tesla's approach to the software's transferability, but it also raises questions and concerns among Tesla owners. As the Q3 2023 deadline approaches, owners will need to decide quickly whether to take advantage of this unique opportunity or hope for more flexible options in the future. Only time will tell if Tesla will consider extending the offer or implement other alternatives to accommodate its passionate community of Tesla owners.
