Is Tesla Autopilot Standard Equipment?
2 Answers
Tesla Autopilot is not standard equipment; it is an optional feature. Tesla Autopilot is divided into two types: one is the Enhanced Autopilot, and the other is Full Self-Driving, which is more expensive. All Tesla models can be equipped with these two autonomous driving upgrade packages. If not selected, Tesla only provides the basic version of driver assistance features for consumers to use. The Autopilot features generally include: Driver Fatigue Detection: It can recognize the driver's fatigue state. Driver fatigue detection is based on steering angle information, continuously analyzing the driver's steering actions to detect periods where the driver does not steer for a short time and then suddenly corrects the direction, which is often a sign of reduced attention and fatigue. Adaptive Cruise Control: It helps the driver adjust the vehicle speed and maintain a distance from the vehicle ahead. It can also bring the vehicle to a stop on its own and automatically restart the vehicle after the driver confirms.
When I first drove the Tesla Model S, I knew Autopilot came as a standard feature, meaning you get basic driving assistance for free with a new car purchase. It includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts speed to follow the vehicle ahead, and lane-keeping assist to keep the car steadily centered on highways. However, this isn't full self-driving; you must keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to take over. If you want to unlock cooler features like automatic lane changes or city street navigation, you'll need to purchase the Full Self-Driving package separately, which can be pricey—costing several thousand dollars or available via monthly subscription. I use it daily for commuting and find it reduces effort significantly, especially easing fatigue in traffic jams. But Tesla's frequent software updates sometimes introduce new features that make you consider upgrading. Overall, as a standard feature, it's a great out-of-the-box tool that helps you dip your toes into tech-driven driving pleasure.
