Tesla's Latest Move: Removing Autosteer from Model 3 and Model Y

In a surprising move that could reshape the electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla, the leading player in the industry, has reportedly removed the Autosteer feature from all Model 3 and Model Y variants on its website. This decision comes just weeks after Tesla announced plans to move Full Self-Driving (FSD) to a monthly subscription for new cars.

Impact on Tesla's Autopilot Suite

Autosteer, one of the core features of Tesla's Autopilot suite, helps vehicles maintain their position in the center of a lane. The removal of this feature has raised questions about the company's strategy and its commitment to delivering advanced driver-assistance systems.

Standard vs. Premium Features

Until recently, Autosteer, along with Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), was included as standard on all trims of Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y, except for the affordable variants launched last October. However, the updated configurator on Tesla's website no longer includes Autosteer as a standard option for all new orders, regardless of trim level.

TACC Remains, But at What Cost?

Despite the removal of Autosteer, TACC, which automatically adjusts vehicle speed based on traffic, remains included. However, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has hinted that the cost of FSD will increase as its capabilities improve, but he did not directly address the Autosteer removal.

Implications for Buyers and the EV Market

The removal of Autosteer marks a shift in how Tesla bundles its driver-assistance features across its lineup. For new customers, this change could affect their decision-making process when choosing a Tesla vehicle. For those upgrading from older Tesla vehicles, where Autosteer was included by default, this change could be particularly significant.

Relevance to North East India and the Broader Indian Context

While the EV market in North East India is still in its infancy, the developments at Tesla could have implications for the region. As Tesla continues to innovate and redefine the EV landscape, other automakers may follow suit, potentially leading to a more competitive and diverse market.

Looking Forward

As Tesla remains tight-lipped about the Autosteer removal, buyers interested in this feature will need to carefully review the currently listed features and options before placing an order. The company's approach to bundling driver-assistance features could shape the future of the EV industry, and it will be interesting to see how this evolves in the coming months.