Tesla Announces FSD Purchase Option Will Go Away Next Month — Here’s Why

Tesla has announced that it will stop selling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software as a one-time purchase after February 14, 2026, transitioning to a monthly subscription model. This change aims to create predictable revenue streams and avoid legal issues associated with the “forever promise” of hardware capability. The subscription model also offers financial benefits to consumers, as the cost of subscribing over time is lower than the upfront purchase price. Tesla's new hybrid traction inverter patent proposes a cost-effective solution by using both Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Silicon (Si) chips, switching between them based on driving conditions to maximize efficiency and durability. Recent sightings of Tesla's upcoming robotaxi in Chicago and Austin reveal new features, including a rear camera washer and the removal of side mirrors, indicating progress in the vehicle's development.