Avoiding Tesla Could Mean Missing Out on the Future's Driving Innovations
Get ready to explore the future of driving with Tesla's Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), a game-changer that's taking electric vehicles by storm!
Tesla's team of over 125,000 employees - including just one Elon Musk – work tirelessly to create cutting-edge technology. Despite the intense scrutiny on Musk, it's important to focus on the merits of the car itself, sans any potential anti-Tesla bias.
Tesla's ADAS: A Cut Above the Rest
I've put numerous ADAS systems to the test, evaluating electric vehicles from General Motors, Ford, Rivian, Acura, Subaru, and Tesla. While GM's Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise perform admirably, they don't quite match Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD). And let's not forget; Tesla is the only company that offers Free ADAS with Autopilot!
Autopilot: Tesla's basic, free ADAS comes with all Teslas, accelerating, braking, and steering the car for you. In some scenarios, this means the car essentially drives itself, especially on highways. The Enhanced Autopilot ($6,000 upgrade) brings additional features such as automatic lane changes, Autopark, and Smart Summon.
Full Self Driving: For an affordable $99/month, FSD elevates your driving experience to new heights. It can perform tasks similar to a Waymo driverless taxi – no other U.S.-based automaker can compete with that. During my recent testing, I found the new Tesla Model Y with FSD v13 to be remarkably capable, handling left turns across traffic, cars cutting in front, and even navigating a crowded Whole Foods parking lot with ease.
The Edge on Local Roads
Tesla truly shines on local roads – a challenge for competing systems. Although Waymo excels here as well, most other automakers opt to limit their ADAS to highways. Tesla's FSD, however, steps up to the plate, providing capable assistance even on densely trafficked LA roads with cumbersome traffic flows. On these roads, FSD can help reduce distractions caused by tedium, potentially minimizing your risk of accidents.
Now, let's be clear: FSD is not infallible, and it is not yet as exceptional as Waymo. But it's impressively close, offering an autonomous driving experience that's always attentive and distraction-free – a welcome relief in today's chaotic traffic environments. After all, autonomy doesn't have to be limited to highway driving – and the higher the level of autonomy, the better!
In closing, Tesla's FSD is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for self-driving technology. As it continues to evolve and improve, we're one step closer to a future where cars drive themselves, giving us more time to focus on the things that truly matter. Here's to the next chapter in the automotive revolution!
* I've tested Advanced Driver Assist Systems on the Tesla Model Y, Chevy Bolt EUV Premier, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevy Blazer EV, GMC Hummer EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1S and R1T, Acura ZDX Type S, and the Subaru Solterra (the Solterra comes with a less-advanced ADAS).
Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) system, available for an affordable $99/month, is a testament to Tesla's commitment to automating driving. Unlike other companies, Tesla offers free ADAS with Autopilot in all Teslas, marking a significant point of difference.
On local roads, Tesla's FSD truly stands out, providing capable assistance even in densely trafficked areas. While FSD isn't infallible and may not yet match Waymo's level of excellence, it offers a distraction-free, autonomous driving experience that is impressive and beneficial in today's chaotic traffic environments.
As Tesla continues to improve its FSD, we move one step closer to a future where cars can drive themselves, freeing up time for more important matters. Autonomy is not necessarily limited to highway driving, and the higher the level of autonomy, the better.
