Tesla has discontinued the Autopilot feature on new vehicles in the US and Canada, replacing it with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) as the standard offering. This change, spotted in Tesla’s online configurator, pushes buyers toward Full Self-Driving (Supervised) at $99 per month after February 14, 2026. For EV buyers, this means no more basic lane-keeping assist without extra cost, potentially impacting safety perceptions and purchase decisions on popular models like Model 3 and Y.
Background: Tesla’s Driver Assistance Evolution and Regulatory Pressure
Tesla has long positioned its Autopilot as a core selling point since its introduction over a decade ago, combining TACC—which maintains speed and distance from the vehicle ahead—with Autosteer for lane centering on highways. This bundle required driver supervision but reduced workload on long drives, contributing to Tesla’s reputation for safety and advanced tech.
The discontinuation aligns with regulatory scrutiny. California’s DMV threatened a 30-day suspension of Tesla’s manufacturing and dealer licenses, arguing the ‘Autopilot’ name misleads consumers since it lacks true autonomous capabilities. Similar issues arise in China over Full Self-Driving (FSD), where authorities claim it doesn’t deliver promised self-driving functionality. Tesla’s shift coincides with CEO Elon Musk’s announcement to end FSD one-time purchases, favoring subscriptions to match improving capabilities.
This isn’t isolated; Tesla faces ongoing debates about feature naming and delivery timelines. Existing owners retain Autopilot software, but new buyers of Model 3 and Y lose it standard—unlike premium Model S, X, and Cybertruck, which include FSD. In Europe, Basic Autopilot remains standard with Enhanced Autopilot optional.
Key Specifications: Tesla’s Updated Driver Assistance Options
| Feature | Description | Availability | Cost (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) | Maintains set speed, adjusts for traffic ahead; no steering | Standard on all new Teslas | Included |
| Autopilot (discontinued) | TACC + Autosteer (lane centering, curve handling) | Removed from new US/Canada orders | N/A |
| Full Self-Driving (Supervised) | Advanced highway/city navigation, traffic handling, supervised | Optional add-on or subscription | $99/month or $8,000 one-time (until Feb 14, 2026) |
Note: 90-day FSD trial now included (up from 30 days). Canada FSD one-time: $11,000.
Analysis: Safety, Strategy, and Buyer Impact
Regulatory Compliance or Subscription Push?
The timing suggests compliance with California DMV demands, rebranding to avoid ‘Autopilot’ implications of full autonomy. However, it dovetails with Tesla’s pivot to recurring revenue: FSD subscriptions at $99/month could recoup $8,000 over 81 months, with price hikes planned as features advance. Critics note this strips lane-keeping—standard on cheaper rivals—affecting highway safety for base buyers.
Safety and Feature Downgrade Concerns
Autopilot’s lane-keeping boosted Tesla’s safety record, per company data. TACC alone leaves steering to drivers, potentially increasing workload versus competitors like GM Super Cruise or Ford BlueCruise, which offer hands-free highway driving standard or at lower tiers. Tesla counters with a longer FSD trial, but beta status and supervision needs persist.
Market Ramifications for Model 3 and Y Buyers
Affecting Tesla’s volume leaders, this could deter budget-conscious buyers expecting Autopilot-like features. Used inventory also drops Autopilot listings. Globally, the US/Canada lag Europe, where Enhanced Autopilot fills the gap. Unanswered: Will Tesla rename FSD amid similar scrutiny?
Comparison: Tesla vs. Competitors’ Driver Aids
| System | Brand/Model | Key Features | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TACC (New Tesla Standard) | Tesla Model 3/Y | Adaptive cruise only | Free | No lane keep; FSD extra |
| Super Cruise | GM (Cadillac, Chevy) | Hands-free highway, lane change | $2,500 one-time or sub | More roads covered[1 inference] |
| BlueCruise | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hands-free highway | $800/year | Standard on some trims |
| Highway Assist | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Lane keep + cruise | Included | Basic but free |
Tesla’s old Autopilot matched Hyundai’s free package; now TACC lags, forcing FSD for parity at a higher cost.
Verdict: Strategic Shift Risks Alienating Core Buyers
Tesla’s Autopilot discontinuation prioritizes subscriptions and regulatory alignment but downgrades base driver aids on Model 3/Y, making them less competitive without FSD spend. Ideal for committed Tesla fans eyeing city navigation via subscription; budget highway drivers may look elsewhere. Watch for FSD v13 improvements and potential Europe changes—details not yet confirmed.
