Only 100 People Are Eligible To Get The Latest FSD Feature Update From Tesla, Here's The Reason

Tesla model Y, already equipped with the FSD 10.1 Beta feature. (photo: tesla)

JAKARTA – Tesla's latest beta version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has so far only had 1,000 eligible people. Though more may be cut before the update comes out, according to CEO Elon Musk.

Following changes in how Tesla's beta software program works, they are now assessing driver behavior before allowing installation of the feature. Beta software installation rights can also be revoked if owners' safe driving scores drop too low.

Tesla's software updates come over the air and are generally as easy to install as the tap of a button on a touchscreen, behaving more like a smartphone in this respect than a car. Since all vehicles are computerized, these updates can have dramatic effects, resulting in changes to anything from the entertainment system, to the range and acceleration of the car. In other words, Tesla's software updates are essential.

Tesla's FSD 10.1 beta is the first feature to require driver assessment before updating. The download option is being replaced by demand, with thousands of owners who have paid for this option anxiously waiting for the results.

FSD Beta 10.2 rolls out Friday midnight to ~1000 owners with perfect 100/100 safety scores. Rollouts will hold for several days after that to see how it goes. If that looks good, beta will gradually begin rolling out to 99 scores & below.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 7, 2021

Now Tesla FSD version 10.2 beta is coming soon. Musk clarified in a Tweet that around 1,000 owners were already eligible for it. He also added in a reply to a tweet that perhaps 1,100 to 1,200 might be able to get the update when it becomes available on Friday, October 8, at midnight.

The reason why the numbers are so low is for extra care with systems that are so good that drivers may tend to over-trust them. For reference, a perfect 100 out of 100 is required to qualify for the first launch.

Tesla's FSD 10.2 beta software update is coming to at least a thousand owners by midnight Friday. However, many more will receive this version over the next few days if all goes well.

Musk explained those who score 99 out of 100 on Tesla's auto insurance safety calculator will be next on the list, and the expansion will continue in the same way with lower scores, without specifying a lower limit.

Musk also noted in a separate reply that the self-driving experience could vary dramatically as some areas have more data available to train neural networks.

That means self-driving will be more reliable in areas that have more Tesla drivers. Overall, Full Self-Driving has proven to be an excellent driver-assist software, but the name has caused Tesla some grief considering it tends to imply that the vehicle is in charge.

Instead, it is still up to the driver to ensure the car obeys the rules of the road and operates safely. This is probably why Tesla is using an uncharacteristically cautious level with the latest beta software updates.