Imagine waking up to a world where your Tesla isn't just a car—it's a futuristic companion that drives itself, parks effortlessly, and even lets you gift the magic of autonomous driving to loved ones. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Tesla's push for Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscriptions a game-changer for holiday gifting, or is it a clever way to hook more users into their ecosystem before the tech is truly polished? Let's dive into the latest buzz from Tesla, where innovation meets everyday excitement, and explore how these updates could reshape your driving experience—without leaving beginners behind.
Tesla is gearing up to make this holiday season feel like something out of a sci-fi movie by introducing the option to gift FSD subscriptions. As the festive period ramps up, the electric vehicle giant is poised to let owners share this cutting-edge feature with friends and family. Picture it: Instead of a generic gift card, you're handing over months of hands-free driving—personalized and downright thrilling. The idea first surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) when user Sawyer Merritt tweeted about it, and Tesla's own Raj Jegannathan confirmed in the replies that the feature would be rolling out before the holidays hit full swing.
So, how exactly might this gifting process unfold? Think of it as purchasing a gift card, but with a Tesla twist. You wouldn't need to specify the recipient or even the vehicle upfront. Simply choose the number of months you'd like to gift—be it one or several—and pass it along. The giftee can then redeem it for their own FSD access. It's not worlds apart from buying a $100 gift card, but it adds that personal touch, making the present feel more thoughtful and tailored to the tech-savvy crowd.
Now, Tesla doesn't offer FSD subscriptions everywhere FSD is available yet, but that's changing as they expand the feature globally. Currently, subscriptions are live in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with pricing that varies by location—clocking in at $99 per month in the US and Canada. For newcomers to Tesla tech, FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a software suite that enables advanced autonomous driving capabilities. It's like having an extra set of eyes on the road, handling complex maneuvers with AI-powered precision, though it still requires driver supervision for safety.
Why launch this now? Tesla's FSD has matured to a point where it's not just for enthusiasts—it's convenient and secure enough for casual users. Rolling it out earlier might have frustrated people with glitches or safety concerns, potentially turning them off the idea altogether. And this is the part most people miss: Tesla has multiple strategies to boost FSD adoption, and hitting 10 million subscriptions is a key goal tied to Elon Musk's massive $1 trillion compensation package, with specific milestones valuing different achievements.
Gifting subscriptions is a smart move for growth. Sure, some will give them to folks already eager to try, but others might introduce FSD to complete novices who haven't even heard of it. A portion of those new users could stick around, subscribing long-term and boosting Tesla's revenue stream. But wait, Tesla isn't offering full FSD purchases as gifts—that one-time buy remains at $8,000 in the US since April 2024. Instead, you'll select the duration, keeping things flexible and affordable for givers.
Psst, if you're in the market for a new Tesla, here's a handy tip: Use our referral code to snag 3 months of free FSD or $1,000 off your purchase. It's a great way to kickstart your autonomous adventures!
Shifting gears to another exciting update, Tesla just unleashed FSD V14.1.5 on the Cybertruck, complete with a slew of features that bring it closer to parity with the rest of their lineup. Rolled out yesterday via update 2025.38.8.5, this is the first time the Cybertruck gets FSD v14, transforming it from a bit of an underdog in autonomous tech to a near-equal player. Early adopters and employees are testing it out, and the feedback is promising, with videos showcasing smooth operations.
Let's break down the new capabilities, explained simply for those new to the scene: FSD is Tesla's advanced driving software that uses cameras, sensors, and AI to navigate roads autonomously. On the Cybertruck, these updates mean you can now start FSD directly from Park mode—tap the blue 'Start Self-Driving' button, and it'll handle shifting into Drive or Reverse automatically. No more manual gear changes before engaging!
Plus, the Cybertruck now supports reversing, just like other Tesla models. Pair that with the park-start feature, and it's easier to maneuver out of tight spots or back out of parking areas. Autopark has been enhanced too, allowing automatic parking upon arrival, including pulling straight into a stall. Testers note some quirks, though, so keep your foot near the brake in confined spaces—the Cybertruck's size demands extra caution.
Check out this video from Greggertruck on November 3, 2025: 'V14.1.5 cybertruck parking ACED and pulled in straight!' It shows the truck nailing a parking job, even if the first try was a bit rough.
AutoShift has leveled up as well. Previously, it was basic—you'd tap the brake to choose direction, but no fancy three-point turns. Now, full support means the system pauses and adjusts direction seamlessly during maneuvers, making complex turns feel effortless.
The update brings the full suite of FSD V14 features to the Cybertruck, as promised by Tesla's execs. This includes smarter handling of emergency vehicles, dynamic routing to dodge blocked roads, speed modes like Mad Max (for aggressive driving) and Sloth (for relaxed), better gate navigation, debris avoidance, smoother left turns and lane changes, and reliability boosts like fault recovery and camera cleaning notifications. The release notes mirror those of other HW4 vehicles, minus the Robotaxi-style camera cleaning exclusive to the new Model Y.
Upcoming enhancements include smoother overall performance, better parking spot selection, and more. Oh, and here's a fun clip from Chuck Cook on November 4, 2025: 'Here is highlight clip 4 from my FSD Supervised v14.1.5 First Impressions Drive. This is where I was testing Mad Max mode in the @cybertruck. I felt like I was on the movie set.' It captures the exhilarating test of high-speed profiles.
This release is based on Tesla update 2025.38, not the usual 2025.32, hinting at separate builds for the Cybertruck. It might include extras like 3D buildings, Tron Mode visualizations, Dashcam updates, and even Grok AI for Canadian users in future rolls.
But not everything is perfect yet. Two major features are still absent, and this is where things get a bit divisive: Why hasn't Tesla prioritized Actually Smart Summon and basic Summon on the Cybertruck? Actually Smart Summon would let you call your truck to you or a spot remotely—imagine summoning your vehicle like a futuristic pet! It's been missing for over 14 months since FSD arrived on the Cybertruck, possibly due to its size and four-wheel steering challenges. Tesla might be refining it based on Robotaxi data, but the delay raises eyebrows.
As for basic Summon, which moves the truck forward or backward autonomously, it's absent because the Cybertruck lacks Autosteer, an older software dependency. With its bulky doors and dimensions, this feature could be a lifesaver for parking in tight quarters. Critics might argue Tesla is rushing Cybertruck updates to catch up, prioritizing quantity over completeness.
Release timelines look positive: After employee and early-access testing, wider rollout could happen in days if all checks out. As of November 3, 2025, update 2025.38.8.5 with FSD Supervised 14.1.5 is at 0% fleet installation, so expect gradual expansion over weeks.
Finally, Tesla is enhancing Supercharger visibility with more detailed listings. Navigation has always pinpointed locations, but until now, it showed vague names like plaza or city titles. Planning routes felt tricky without specifics. Soon, an update will add street addresses and cities below the common name in the vehicle's trip planner and app, aligning them for clarity.
Take Kingston, Ontario, as an example: Two Superchargers share the 'Kingston' name—one a slower V2 site with cheaper rates, the other a speedy V3.5 behind a complex. With full addresses, you'll easily choose based on your needs—speed for urgency or cost for budget trips.
Tesla's been upgrading Superchargers left and right: New handles for accessibility, highway signs for visibility, the debut of a 500kW site, and upcoming virtual queues for congested spots. It's all about making charging smoother and more user-friendly.
What do you think? Is gifting FSD subscriptions a brilliant holiday innovation that democratizes advanced tech, or could it pressure people into subscribing before they're ready? And should Tesla prioritize missing Cybertruck features like Smart Summon, even if it delays other updates? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint? Let's discuss!
