Tesla is gearing up to release a Full Self-Driving (FSD) update for its Cybertruck this month, potentially allowing the Back to The Future pickup to drive itself. This update has been eagerly awaited by Cybertruck owners, especially since the vehicle remains the only Tesla model without any autonomous driving features. The Cybertruck, which costs between $80,000 and $100,000, represents Tesla’s most expensive passenger vehicle, and this update could mark a major enhancement to its capabilities.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The release of the FSD update for the Cybertruck has faced numerous delays. Initially, CEO Elon Musk anticipated a June release, which was then postponed to August. According to a recent roadmap shared by Tesla’s AI team, the new expected date is sometime in September. This constant shifting in timelines mirrors the delays seen in the Cybertruck’s initial launch.
Approximately 30,000 Cybertruck owners have already paid $12,000 for the FSD package, which they have been waiting to use since the truck’s first deliveries in November. Tesla later reduced the FSD price to $8,000 but did not offer refunds to those who purchased it at the higher cost.
Why the Delay?
The unique design and camera placements of the Cybertruck might be contributing to its incompatibility with Tesla’s current FSD technology. Moreover, Tesla may not have gathered sufficient training data specifically for pickup trucks, which adds another layer of complexity to the integration of the FSD system.
Updates on the Tesla AI Roadmap
In addition to the anticipated FSD update, Tesla has rolled out two new features this week as part of its AI roadmap. One is version 12.5.2 of the FSD software, which reportedly extends the distance a vehicle can travel between driver interventions. The other feature, called “Actually Smart Summon,” allows the vehicle to autonomously navigate to its driver or a designated location. This feature, too, faced delays, having been pushed back by at least two years.
Tesla plans to launch FSD in Europe and China in the first quarter of 2025, although these launches depend on obtaining regulatory approval. The company also has plans to reveal its robotaxi prototype on October 10, which had initially been set for August 8, also pending regulatory clearance in the United States. Elon Musk remains confident about Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving, emphasizing the company’s focus on AI products and its commitment to “solving autonomous driving.”
TF Summary: What’s Next?
The upcoming FSD update for the Cybertruck reflects Tesla’s ongoing efforts to deliver cutting-edge autonomous driving technology despite facing multiple delays. With plans to expand FSD capabilities internationally and introduce new AI-driven features. Tesla continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. However, much of these developments hinge on regulatory approvals and overcoming the technical hurdles associated with new vehicle models like the Cybertruck. The next few months could provide more clarity on how Tesla plans to navigate these challenges and further its ambition in the AI and automotive sectors.
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