Posted on Thursday October 3rd, 2024
The wait is over for some Tesla Cybertruck owners: the long-anticipated Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is finally here—at least for a lucky few. Almost ten months after the Cybertruck's initial release, Tesla has begun rolling out its Supervised Full Self-Driving update, bringing a new level of autonomy to its unique, stainless steel powerhouse.
A Look Back: The Journey to FSD
After a series of delays and plenty of anticipation, the first Cybertrucks made their way to customers on November 30, 2023. Since then, one major component had been noticeably absent: Tesla's much-hyped FSD. Unlike Tesla's earlier vehicles—such as the Model 3 and Model Y, which had FSD and Autopilot ready to go right from the start—the Cybertruck had a few unique challenges to overcome. This wasn’t just a delay; it was a full-scale effort to adapt Tesla’s FSD to a vehicle unlike anything else on the road today.
The Cybertruck's unconventional design, massive size, and futuristic sensor array meant that Tesla had to retool and adapt its FSD system specifically for this beast of a truck. Unlike other Teslas that share similar sizes and configurations, the Cybertruck's boxy form, armored glass, and stainless steel shell represent a significant departure, requiring tweaks and recalibrations to ensure that FSD could perform seamlessly.
Early Access: A Peek Behind the Curtain
The current FSD rollout for the Cybertruck is labeled as an “early access” release, which means only a subset of owners—those lucky enough to be part of Tesla's early access program—can get their hands on it. These early adopters will be running FSD version 12.5.5, a step ahead of most other Tesla vehicles still using version 12.5.4. This means the Cybertruck isn't lagging behind but instead is at the cutting edge of Tesla’s driver-assistance technology.
And the first glimpses are already starting to trickle in. Videos of Cybertrucks running FSD have begun surfacing on forums, with a recent post on the cybertruckownersclub forum capturing what seems to be the very first look at FSD in action for Tesla’s new flagship truck. Watching these massive vehicles navigate autonomously is, simply put, a glimpse of the future we’ve all been waiting for.
What Does “Supervised” Mean for Cybertruck Owners?
It’s important to note that this version of FSD for the Cybertruck is labeled as “Supervised.” This means that while the truck can handle many driving tasks autonomously, a human driver must be ready to intervene at any moment. Tesla’s FSD remains a driver-assistance feature, not a completely autonomous system—at least, not yet.
The “Supervised” label indicates that Tesla is being careful with this rollout, wanting to ensure the technology is fully capable of handling the Cybertruck's unique characteristics before releasing it to a broader audience. And that’s understandable. The Cybertruck is unlike anything else on the road—an angular, futuristic behemoth that challenges traditional truck design at every turn—so getting FSD right is crucial.
The Road Ahead: When Will Everyone Get It?
Tesla initially promised that the Cybertruck would get FSD by the end of September. True to form, Tesla met that timeline—if only by the skin of its teeth—with the release arriving for some early access owners just as September was ending. For the majority of Cybertruck owners, though, the wait will be a bit longer. A full rollout is expected in the coming weeks, but as always with Tesla, exact timelines are never set in stone.
In the meantime, owners who are still waiting for FSD can take comfort in the fact that Tesla is steadily working to refine and improve the software. Earlier this month, Cybertrucks gained access to the autopark feature, hinting at a broader release of driver-assistance tools that are likely on the horizon. For those eager to experience the future of driving, the pieces are slowly falling into place.
Why This Matters
This rollout represents a pivotal moment for Tesla, and for autonomous driving technology as a whole. The Cybertruck was never meant to be just another truck—it's a statement, a bold declaration of what the future of transportation could look like. Full Self-Driving (even in its supervised state) is a key part of that vision. It offers Cybertruck owners the chance to experience a driving future that feels, at times, almost like science fiction brought to life.
If you’re a Cybertruck owner still waiting for your turn with FSD, hang tight. The early glimpses we’ve seen show a lot of promise. And for everyone else, whether you’re curious or skeptical, it’s worth keeping an eye on. Because love it or hate it, Tesla’s pushing boundaries—and the Cybertruck is a prime example of just how far they’re willing to go.
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