In a significant development for Tesla enthusiasts, the company has finally rolled out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) advanced driving assistance system to a select group of Cybertruck owners. This update, marked as version 2024.32.20, includes the latest iteration of FSD, version 12.5.5, and has been made available to early access testers and Tesla employees.
The Cybertruck, which began deliveries in November 2023, had been notably missing this key feature despite its advanced design and technology. The unique wedge-shaped stainless steel design and different sensor configurations of the Cybertruck presented special challenges for adapting the FSD software, which is why the rollout was delayed several times.
Early Access and Initial Impressions
The early access build of FSD 12.5.5 has been described by users as both impressive and imperfect. Videos shared by early testers show the Cybertruck handling various driving scenarios, such as navigating busy streets and making u-turns, with mixed results. While the system performed well in some instances, it also exhibited unpredictable behavior, such as failing to recognize a flashing sign or veering towards the median strip, requiring driver intervention.
Users on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum have shared their experiences, with one describing the FSD experience as both a magical experience and mundane at the same exact time due to the need for constant driver attention. This aligns with Tesla's own warnings that FSD is not a fully autonomous system but rather a Level 2 driver assistance system on the SAE levels of driving automation table.
Features and Limitations
The FSD 12.5.5 update enables the Cybertruck to automatically steer, brake, and accelerate on highways and city streets, and to stop at red lights and stop signs. However, it is crucial to note that the driver must remain fully attentive and ready to intervene at any moment. Other features included in the update are support for sunglasses with attention monitoring and a new end-to-end capability for highway driving.
Despite the excitement around FSD, many Cybertruck owners are still waiting for other basic features like Autopilot, which is standard in other Tesla models. The absence of these features has been a point of disappointment for some owners, who have been driving their vehicles manually since delivery.
Future Developments and Global Rollout
Tesla has indicated that FSD will continue to evolve, with version 13 expected to be released next month, which should improve the system's performance and reduce the need for driver interventions. Additionally, FSD is planned to be available in China and Europe in the first quarter of next year, pending regulatory approvals.
The upcoming 'We, Robot' event on October 10 is also anticipated to provide more insights into Tesla's autonomous driving strategy, including the vision-based self-driving system that could power thousands of vehicles in the future.
As the Cybertruck continues to gain popularity, with over 5,000 units sold in July, the rollout of FSD and other advanced features is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and competitive edge in the EV market.
