While Tesla isn't the only company in the market offering autonomous driving cars, it's indeed one of the first brands to push this innovative technology into the market. Tesla vehicles achieve a certain level of autonomous driving functionality through multiple cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence technology. However, this technology doesn't allow drivers to completely let go of the wheel during driving; they must remain vigilant. Additionally, Tesla's autonomous driving system has some significant technical limitations.
Tesla currently offers two types of driving assistance systems: Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD). Although both fall under autonomous driving technology, they differ in functionality and reliability. Tesla's FSD provides basic autonomous driving functions such as lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, while Autopilot includes more advanced features like automatic lane changing and parking. Below are detailed descriptions of these systems to help you understand their differences and reliability.
Tesla Autopilot
Tesla Autopilot is the company's first autonomous driving system, which has been equipped in new cars since 2014. Although not as technologically advanced as later systems, Autopilot comes standard in all new Tesla vehicles, providing consumers with additional value essentially for free, akin to a bonus when purchasing a new car.
Essentially an advanced form of cruise control, Autopilot requires continuous driver supervision for safety. It includes features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, allowing the car to automatically stay in its lane and adjust speed according to traffic conditions. While these features offer convenience, they're not exclusive to Tesla; many other car brands also offer similar advanced cruise control systems.
Tesla Enhanced Autopilot
Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot offers additional capabilities beyond standard autonomous driving functions for an extra fee of $6,000. This system enables automatic parking and lane changing, allowing the vehicle to switch lanes autonomously based on road conditions. Moreover, Enhanced Autopilot includes "Navigate on Autopilot" feature, theoretically enabling the car to drive from highway on-ramp to off-ramp with reduced driver input, though the driver must remain attentive.
This system also introduces "Summon" and "Smart Summon" features, allowing the vehicle to autonomously navigate within a parking lot to the owner without using a remote. These features are relatively rare in the market, although functionalities like automatic lane changing are gradually becoming more common.
Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD)
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is the brand's most advanced offering, although it's currently in "beta" testing. This indicates that Tesla is testing this feature in real-world driving environments. FSD, introduced in 2020, is continually updated and improved by Tesla.
As the most expensive option offered by Tesla, the pre-paid cost for Full Self-Driving is up to $15,000, or alternatively, $200 per month through subscription. In return for this investment, the system offers a crucial new feature: the ability to automatically start and stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
Tesla claims that FSD aims to achieve fully autonomous driving from point A to point B, although this goal hasn't been fully realized yet. Despite being named "Full Self-Driving," drivers are still required to remain alert and ready to take control at any time, as the system hasn't reached full automation levels.
As to whether there's a mode that allows drivers to safely nap while driving, the answer is no. However, this hasn't stopped some drowsy drivers from attempting to do so.
Tesla Autopilot Controversy
Tesla's autonomous driving features have always been a focus of public and regulatory scrutiny. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into Tesla's Autopilot feature due to multiple accidents involving the system. This investigation ultimately led to the recall of over 360,000 Tesla vehicles equipped with the beta version of full self-driving. According to NHTSA reports, the system may "perform unsafely" when approaching intersections, and some vehicles have issues with proper stopping.
Furthermore, despite Tesla's impressive autonomous driving technology, the company explicitly states that any of its autonomous driving features should not be used without full driver attention. Tesla emphasizes in its owner's manual that drivers should "never depend on Autopilot to determine driving routes" and that autonomous driving should be considered an assistive feature. While adherence to these guidance principles may vary among drivers, it's evident that Tesla's systems are not designed to safely drive from point A to point B without driver attention.
This article was republished from the WeChat account "Automobile Research Institute Auto."
