Tesla Changes Definition of 'Full Self-Driving' to Reflect Lack of Autonomy

Tesla has changed the meaning of "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) to give up on its original promise of unsupervised autonomy. Since 2016, Tesla claimed all vehicles would be capable of self-driving, but it has yet to be fulfilled. The company now sells "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" with no promise of autonomy. The board's new CEO compensation package could give Musk up to $1 trillion in stock options pending 10 million FSD subscriptions, but the definition of FSD in the package is extremely vague and could fit the current version of FSD, which requires driver supervision.

Tesla has been at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle revolution, but recent developments have led to a significant shift in the company's approach to "Full Self-Driving" (FSD). The company has changed its definition of FSD to focus on "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" rather than the original promise of unsupervised autonomy. This change has sparked discussions about the company's commitment to its long-term vision and the implications for its CEO, Elon Musk.

Tesla's 2025 proxy statement revealed an unprecedented compensation proposal for Musk, valued at up to $1 trillion [1]. The new 10-year plan ties Musk's potential payout to both Tesla's market value and operational goals, including the achievement of 10 million active FSD subscriptions [1]. However, the definition of FSD in the compensation package is extremely vague and could potentially fit the current version of FSD, which requires driver supervision.

The board's decision to shift the focus from unsupervised autonomy to supervised FSD raises questions about the company's ability to meet its ambitious targets. The new compensation plan, which includes milestones such as 10 million active FSD subscriptions, 1 million AI-powered robots, and 1 million Robotaxis in commercial operation, could incentivize Musk to drive the company towards becoming the most valuable in history [1].

The company's recent deployment of Unsupervised FSD within the Giga Berlin complex in Europe further highlights the evolution of its autonomous driving capabilities [2]. While this marks a significant step forward, it also underscores the challenges Tesla faces in achieving unsupervised autonomy on public roads. The company has been demonstrating Unsupervised FSD on European roads, but it has yet to secure regulatory approval for its use by consumers [2].

The Robotaxi platform's official public launch is another indicator of Tesla's progress in the autonomous driving space [3]. The launch of the Robotaxi app for iOS users marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand its driverless ride-hailing service. However, the success of the Robotaxi platform will depend on its ability to attract and retain a large user base, which could be challenging given the current regulatory environment.

In conclusion, Tesla's evolving definition of FSD and Elon Musk's new compensation plan reflect the company's ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of the autonomous driving landscape. While the new plan could incentivize Musk to drive Tesla's growth, the company will need to address the challenges posed by its evolving FSD definition and the regulatory environment to achieve its ambitious targets.

References:
[1] https://teslanorth.com/2025/09/05/tesla-proposes-1-trillion-compensation-plan-for-elon-musk/
[2] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-deploys-unsupervised-fsd-europe-with-a-twist/
[3] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-deploys-unsupervised-fsd-europe-with-a-twist/