Editor 
The long-anticipated Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature for the Tesla Cybertruck is finally here, just shy of a year after the initial release. Announced with great expectations, the FSD capability has now begun to roll out to select early access users, promising a revolution in autonomous driving—albeit a supervised one.
Availability and Rollout
Tesla has initiated the rollout of the FSD version 12.5.5 specifically to users in the early access program. This includes Tesla employees and a select group of testers. A broader rollout to more Cybertruck owners is expected in the next few weeks, allowing a larger segment of users to experience the advancements in autonomous driving.
While Tesla’s FSD rollout has always been a gradual process, the deployment to Cybertruck units had been particularly slow. This delay had left many early adopters frustrated, especially those who had invested in the exclusive Foundation Series package.
Features and Improvements
The new update showcases a remarkable upgrade: an end-to-end neural network that can manage both city and highway driving tasks, replacing over 300,000 lines of explicit coded instructions. This cutting-edge neural network approach allows for more adaptive and intelligent decision-making on the road.
Among the highlights of the new features are:
- Vision-based attention monitoring that works even if the driver is wearing sunglasses.
- Enhanced performance in lane changes, parking lot navigation, handling intersections, and executing stops.
These updates represent a significant leap in autonomous driving capabilities, shedding light on Tesla’s ambitious AI-powered driving systems. It’s exciting to see the technological marvel finally hitting real-world roads.
Performance and Limitations
Despite the excitement and the innovative advancements, it is important to remember that FSD is still labeled as “supervised.” This means that drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment. Independent tests reveal that Tesla’s FSD can currently drive around 13 miles on average before requiring human intervention.
This limitation speaks volumes about the nuances of real-world driving—that even advanced neural networks and machine learning models face immense challenges in navigating the unpredictable nature of our roads.
User Reaction and Context
Reactions among Cybertruck owners have been mixed. On one hand, there’s a shared enthusiasm about finally receiving a long-awaited feature. On the other hand, there’s a palpable frustration over the protracted delay, especially for those who made premium investments in their vehicles.
However, the introduction of FSD holds the potential to elevate the competitive stance of the Cybertruck against other electric trucks such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian’s R1T. The new FSD capabilities might just tip the scales in Tesla’s favor in this increasingly crowded market.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, Tesla is not stopping here. The company has promised further improvements with the rollout of FSD version 13 expected next month. This update is anticipated to extend the autonomous driving range before requiring human intervention, delivering an even more autonomous experience.
Moreover, FSD availability is planned for global dissemination, with releases in China and Europe set for the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. This global rollout signifies Tesla’s confidence in their technology and its potential to meet diverse regulatory standards worldwide.
FAQs
Q: What is the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability?
A: Full Self-Driving (FSD) is Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system that employs artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks to enable semi-autonomous driving on both highways and city streets.
Q: Who currently has access to the FSD feature in the Cybertruck?
A: The initial rollout of FSD version 12.5.5 is available to users in Tesla’s early access program, which includes Tesla employees and select Early Access Testers.
Q: How effective is Tesla’s FSD in autonomous driving?
A: Independent tests indicate that Tesla’s FSD can operate autonomously for about 13 miles on average before requiring human intervention, highlighting that it is still essential for drivers to remain attentive.
Q: What improvements does the new FSD update bring?
A: The new FSD update includes an end-to-end neural network for decision-making, vision-based attention monitoring, and enhanced performance in lane changes, parking lots, intersections, and stops.
**Q: When can more Cybertr
