Earlier this week Tesla announced it was building self-driving hardware into all new cars, ahead of a time when drivers will be legally allowed to be non-drivers.
The tech will come as standard in all new models, but drivers are going to have to fork over a fair wad of cash if they actually want to use it.
The self-driving features on the Model S and Model X SUV will be pay-to-unlock (via The Verge).
Firstly, it will require the $5,000 Enhanced Autopilot software, which rises to $6,000 after delivery.
All in all, drivers will be looking at $10,000 if they buy the car first.
Related: Video – Can we trust Tesla Autopilot?
That’s still likely to be pittance compared to the cost of standalone self-driving cars when they eventually hit the market and it’s not as if money is the primary concern for Model S and X drivers anyway.
Of course, Tesla still has a lot of work to convince regulators its current Autopilot tech is safe and roadworthy before full self-driving capability is approved.
Earlier this week, German regulators ruled Tesla couldn’t even call it Autopilot.
Tesla Model S Review – The Ultimate Rental Car?
Would you trust a fully autonomous vehicle to keep you safe? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.