Do I need to repurchase Tesla FSD when changing cars?
2 Answers
Tesla FSD needs to be repurchased when changing cars. Relevant information: FSD: FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, which is an advanced version of the autopilot function, enabling Tesla vehicles to achieve full self-driving capabilities. It is often said that autonomous driving is the soul of Tesla, and FSD is the visual nerve of Tesla's autonomous driving. Tesla: Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy company that manufactures and sells electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy storage equipment. Headquartered in Palo Alto, it was co-founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. The founders named the company "Tesla Motors" in honor of the physicist Nikola Tesla.
I own a Tesla Model 3 with FSD, and only realized last year when I got a new car that FSD doesn't follow my account—I had to buy it again. This is mainly because FSD is a software package tied to a specific vehicle, including its hardware configuration and serial number. Tesla's policy simply doesn't allow transfers between different cars. I remember checking the official website at the time, which stated that FSD is an 'added feature' of the car itself—if you sell the old car, the new owner gets to enjoy it. But my new car was a standard version without FSD pre-installed, so I had to pay the full $10,000-plus again. This design feels a bit unfair, especially since some other EV brands may offer transferable software. However, Tesla emphasizes that this optimizes performance and safety. If you plan to change cars frequently, I’d recommend waiting for a discount on a new car with FSD included or considering their recently launched FSD subscription service—paying a small monthly fee could save you money and hassle. In short, this affects both your wallet and safety, so it’s best to research the policy carefully before buying a car.
