Tesla is reportedly in discussions to license its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assist technology to another major automaker, according to CEO Elon Musk. During an earnings call, Musk revealed that licensing FSD was always part of Tesla’s plan and that the company is more than happy to share the technology with others.
Musk’s comments about licensing FSD to competitors align with his previous statements. Last month, he tweeted that Tesla aspires to be as helpful as possible to other car companies and is open to licensing its technology, including Autopilot/FSD.
Tesla’s FSD technology sets itself apart from most automakers’ driver-assist systems by allowing customers to use it on local roads with traffic signals, intersections, and vulnerable road users. The system controls acceleration, deceleration, and turns, including unprotected left turns that are challenging for automated systems. It also recognizes traffic signals and other road signs. However, the system still requires drivers to pay attention to the road and take control of the vehicle when necessary.
While Tesla’s driver-assist technology has pushed the boundaries of what is considered safe, it has also drawn attention from federal regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating 16 crashes involving Tesla vehicles using Autopilot, which resulted in 15 injuries and one fatality. The government upgraded its investigation earlier this year, potentially leading to a recall of Autopilot, FSD, or both.
In fact, Tesla already faced a recall of FSD last year after the top federal safety agency identified it as a “crash risk.” The company temporarily paused the rollout of FSD to address the issues identified by regulators.
According to an analysis by The Washington Post, there have been 736 crashes involving Tesla vehicles with Autopilot since 2019, including 17 deaths. These statistics highlight the risks associated with Tesla’s driver-assist technology and the need for continued scrutiny and improvements.
Despite these concerns, Tesla’s aggressive push of driver-assist features has influenced its competitors to follow suit. Major automakers like Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo are developing their own autonomous systems, aiming for Level 3 autonomy, which can control the vehicle without driver input.
During the earnings call, Musk also announced that Tesla customers will soon be able to transfer their FSD subscription to another vehicle as a “one-time amnesty” in the third quarter of this year. This move addresses a popular request from customers who own multiple Tesla vehicles, allowing them to avoid being locked into FSD on an older model.
In conclusion, Tesla’s discussions to license its FSD technology to another automaker demonstrate the company’s willingness to share its advancements in autonomous driving. However, Tesla’s driver-assist technology has faced scrutiny and investigation due to safety concerns. Despite this, Tesla’s aggressive push in this field has influenced its competitors to develop their own autonomous systems. As Tesla continues to evolve its FSD technology and address regulatory concerns, the industry as a whole is moving towards a future with increasingly autonomous vehicles.
