Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (supervised)” technology became available in New Zealand ⁣and Australia on November 29, 2023, marking the first global release of a right-hand drive version of the⁢ system. This launch introduces advanced⁣ driver-assistance features to ⁣these markets, but differs considerably from fully autonomous vehicles⁣ currently tested elsewhere.

While self-driving cars have been operating ‍in some regions internationally, Tesla emphasizes that its current offering is not fully autonomous. The company explicitly states that the system “does not make the car autonomous” and requires a “fully attentive driver” at all times. According to Tesla, the driver retains full responsibility and liability for the vehicle’s operation.

Tesla describes the technology⁢ as an enhancement to existing driver-assistance features, comparing it to “cruise control but on steroids.” The system aims to alleviate stress and‍ improve safety during common driving scenarios.

How Does “full Self-Driving (Supervised)” Work?

Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving⁤ (Supervised)” relies on a network of cameras providing 360-degree visibility around the vehicle. This allows the system to monitor blind⁤ spots and assist with maneuvers. ⁣The core of the technology is⁢ powered ⁤by “billions of miles of anonymous real-world driving data” used to train the system, according to Tesla. This data-driven approach ⁢aims to improve the system’s ability to ⁣handle complex driving situations and enhance overall‍ road safety.

The system is available as a monthly⁢ subscription ‍costing $159 AUD (approximately $95 USD as of November 29, 2023) for both Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Tesla Australia and Tesla New‍ Zealand ⁤ offer the subscription directly through their websites.

Key features enabled by the system include:

• navigate on Autopilot: Automatic navigation on highways from on-ramp ⁣to off-ramp,including lane ⁢changes and ⁣interchanges.
• Auto ‍Lane Change:⁣ Automatically changes lanes while driving on the highway.
• Autopark: Automatically parks in parallel or perpendicular spaces.
• Summon: ⁤Moves the vehicle in and out of a tight space using the mobile app.
• Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Automatically slows down and stops for traffic lights and⁤ stop signs.

Legal and Safety considerations

The launch of “full Self-Driving (Supervised)” raises ⁢meaningful legal and safety considerations.Despite the “full self-driving” branding, the system is classified as level 2 advanced ⁢driver-assistance system (ADAS) according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).This means the‍ driver must remain fully engaged and prepared to take⁢ control at any time.

Australian and New Zealand road rules currently‍ require a human driver to be in control of a vehicle at all times.The legal framework⁤ surrounding ADAS technologies is still evolving, and it remains the driver’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Australian state and territory road authorities ⁣have not yet ⁤issued specific guidance on the ⁢use of ⁤Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving⁢ (Supervised)” system.

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