Tesla launches full self-driving in NZ

Tesla has officially launched its full self-driving supervised (FSD-S) technology in New Zealand and Australia.

The EV maker confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, on September 18 that the system is now available to drivers down under.

It marks the first time FSD-S has been widely offered in a right-hand drive market and is available to Tesla Model 3 and Model Y owners with the latest HW4 hardware through an over-the-air software update. 

It costs $11,400 to buy outright in New Zealand but Tesla also plans to offer subscriptions for $159 per month.

The programme uses cameras and software to accelerate, brake, steer and navigate traffic without anyone needing to hold the steering wheel, but Tesla stresses the system is not fully autonomous.

“FSD-S is a hands-on feature that requires an attentive driver to maintain proper control of the vehicle [and] who must be ready to take immediate action at all times and does not make the vehicle autonomous,” the company explains.

“Tesla uses billions of miles of anonymous real-world driving data to train FSD-S to take care of the most stressful parts of daily driving while helping make the roads safer for you and others. 

“When enabled, your vehicle will drive you almost anywhere with your active supervision, requiring minimal intervention.’

FSD-S is now available in seven countries, including the US, Canada, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

NZ Police told Autofile magazine that FSD-S may provide enhanced driver-assistance features but motorists remain legally responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. To read the full article in the September magazine, click here.