Introduction
Nearly a year after its highly anticipated release, the Tesla Cybertruck is finally starting to gain access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. After much delay, Tesla is rolling out the software update to a limited number of Cybertruck owners, marking a significant milestone for the futuristic vehicle. However, this FSD rollout is limited to early access participants, and most Cybertruck owners will still have to wait before they can experience the much-touted feature firsthand.
This article delves into the details of Tesla’s FSD rollout for the Cybertruck, what it means for current owners, and when the rest of the Cybertruck community might gain access to the long-awaited software.
A Long-Awaited Feature: The Delayed FSD Rollout
When Tesla first started delivering Cybertrucks on November 30, 2023, one crucial feature was missing—access to Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. This was unusual, as previous Tesla vehicles, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, had access to modern versions of Tesla’s Autopilot or FSD software upon release. So why the delay for Cybertruck?
Unlike Tesla’s earlier models, the Cybertruck is vastly different in terms of size, design, sensor suite, and control mechanisms. The vehicle’s unique characteristics meant that Tesla needed more time to adapt its FSD software to work seamlessly with the Cybertruck. Initially, buyers who paid for the FSD feature were left waiting, as Tesla promised it would eventually become available.
That time has now come, but only for a select group of Cybertruck owners.
FSD for Cybertruck: A Limited Release
The first access to FSD for the Cybertruck is part of Tesla’s early access program. According to reports from the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, some users began receiving the 2024.32.20 update labeled as “early access.” This update includes FSD version 12.5.5, the newest iteration of the software, giving these select Cybertruck owners access to the latest features.
It’s important to note that this early access is limited to a subset of owners invited into the program. For the time being, the general Cybertruck-owning public will need to wait a little longer for a wider rollout of FSD. Tesla has not yet specified an exact timeline for when the rest of the Cybertruck community will gain access, but it’s expected to happen in the coming weeks.
What Does FSD 12.5.5 Bring?
The early-access Cybertrucks are receiving the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, FSD 12.5.5. This means that these vehicles aren’t stuck with outdated software but instead get to experience Tesla’s most advanced driver-assist features. The FSD 12.5.5 version brings improvements over previous versions, including enhanced performance and the ability to handle more complex driving scenarios with less intervention.
Tesla’s FSD software allows for supervised full self-driving, meaning that while the car can navigate roads, change lanes, and park on its own, the driver must remain attentive and ready to take control if necessary. Early video footage of Cybertrucks using the FSD software is already starting to surface online, and more demonstrations are expected in the coming days.
Promises for Full FSD by September—Just Barely Kept
Tesla had promised at the beginning of September that Cybertruck owners would receive full FSD capability by the end of the month. True to its word—if only by a hair’s breadth—Tesla shipped the early access version just one day before the month ended. While this fulfills the timeline for early access participants, the majority of Cybertruck owners will need to wait a little longer for their turn.
Tesla has also indicated that FSD will continue to evolve. Version 13 is slated for release next month, which Tesla says will significantly reduce the frequency of required driver interventions. Currently, an independent analysis suggests that Tesla’s FSD can only drive an average of 13 miles between interventions, so the upcoming improvements are eagerly awaited by the Tesla community.
Global Expansion of FSD and Future Updates
Tesla is also looking to expand FSD capabilities beyond North America. The company has announced plans to roll out FSD in China and Europe during the first quarter of 2025. However, this expansion is contingent on regulatory approval, which may take additional time, especially in regions with stricter road safety laws and standards.
The release of FSD version 13 next month is expected to bring further improvements, such as longer intervals between interventions, making it a more seamless experience for users. As the software continues to develop, Tesla aims to make FSD more reliable and accessible to a wider audience.
Conclusion
Tesla’s long-promised Full Self-Driving feature is finally arriving for the Cybertruck—albeit in limited early access form. While the wider rollout of FSD for all Cybertruck owners is still pending, this initial release marks a significant step forward for the vehicle’s functionality. Cybertruck owners can look forward to experiencing the latest in Tesla’s self-driving technology, though it may take a few more weeks for the full release to reach everyone.
With future updates, including version 13, on the horizon, Tesla is continuously working to improve its FSD software, ensuring that Cybertruck drivers and others benefit from cutting-edge autonomous driving capabilities. As always, the journey with Tesla’s FSD remains a work in progress, but one that is inching closer to realizing the dream of full autonomy.
