Tesla Removes Autopilot Features, Adds Monthly Fees

Tesla's Major Policy Shift: Basic Autopilot No Longer Standard

Tesla has made a significant change to its vehicle offerings in North America that's sparking controversy among electric vehicle enthusiasts and safety advocates. The company has removed Basic Autopilot as a standard feature on new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, meaning buyers will now need to pay monthly for what was previously included functionality.

For years, Basic Autopilot – which includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer (lane-keeping assistance) – came standard with every Tesla. This system represented what many consider basic driver assistance features that are increasingly common across the automotive industry. However, as of January 2026, Tesla has quietly eliminated these features from the standard package.

The Subscription Model Takes Over

The only way for new buyers to regain access to these driving assistance features is through Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) subscription, which costs $99 per month. This represents a major shift in Tesla's business model toward recurring revenue streams.

What makes this change particularly controversial is that Tesla is also eliminating the option to purchase Full Self-Driving as a one-time purchase. Starting in February 2026, the only way to access FSD capabilities will be through the monthly subscription model.

'This feels like a bait-and-switch tactic,' said automotive analyst Michael Chen. 'Features that were marketed as standard safety equipment for years are suddenly behind a paywall. It's especially concerning because lane-keeping assistance is considered a basic safety feature that's standard on many economy cars today.'

Safety Concerns and Industry Backlash

The decision has drawn criticism from safety advocates who argue that removing lane-keeping assistance from standard equipment could potentially reduce vehicle safety. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver assistance features like lane-keeping have been shown to reduce certain types of accidents.

'We're seeing a concerning trend where basic safety features are being monetized,' noted Sarah Johnson, director of the Automotive Safety Institute. 'While Tesla isn't the first to implement subscription models for vehicle features, removing what many consider essential safety equipment from the base price raises ethical questions.'

European Implications

For European customers, particularly in the Netherlands, the situation is different – for now. Basic Autopilot remains standard on new Tesla vehicles in Europe, and Full Self-Driving hasn't yet received regulatory approval from the Dutch vehicle authority RDW.

However, Tesla is targeting February 2026 for FSD approval in the Netherlands, which could serve as a gateway for broader EU adoption. If the company extends its subscription model globally, European customers might soon face similar monthly fees for features currently included in their vehicle purchase.

The RDW has confirmed that February 2026 remains Tesla's target month to demonstrate regulatory compliance, but emphasized that safety, not public pressure, will determine whether FSD receives authorization. 'We have established a schedule for Tesla to demonstrate FSD meets required standards,' an RDW spokesperson stated, 'but whether they can satisfy these conditions within the timeline remains to be seen.'

Broader Industry Context

Tesla's move comes amid increasing competition in the electric vehicle market and the company's own financial challenges. With traditional automakers catching up in EV technology and Chinese manufacturers offering competitive alternatives, Tesla appears to be shifting toward software and subscription revenue to maintain profitability.

This trend isn't unique to Tesla – other manufacturers have experimented with subscription models for features like heated seats, remote start, and premium audio. However, Tesla's decision to remove what many consider basic driver assistance features represents one of the most aggressive moves toward subscription-based revenue in the automotive industry.

As the automotive world watches Tesla's strategy unfold, the question remains: Will consumers accept paying monthly for features they once received as standard, or will this move push buyers toward competitors who still include these technologies in their base prices?