Tesla set to launch Full Self-Driving functionality in New Zealand

In a significant move, Tesla is set to introduce its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in New Zealand, joining the growing autonomous vehicle market worldwide. The exact companies that have introduced the FSD system in the country are yet to be identified, as there are no specific search results available.

Under New Zealand law, Level 2 autonomous driving systems like Tesla's FSD are legal, as long as a person is in control of the vehicle. Unlike some countries, New Zealand does not mandate "hands-on-wheel" operation for Level 2 autonomous driving systems.

The cost for New Zealand drivers to purchase the FSD system outright is $11,400. Existing Full Self-Driving package purchasers are expected to be first in line for the initial rollout of the system. The expansion of the FSD system to Australia and New Zealand is a significant step towards the global autonomous vehicle market, predicted to exceed US$800 billion by 2035.

Tesla has made some changes to the FSD system. In April 2024, the company renamed its Full Self-Driving (Beta) to Full Self-Driving (S), with the "supervised" coda added. The company is also exploring subscription models for the FSD-S in New Zealand, in addition to the outright purchase option.

As for the initial rollout, it will prioritise the latest Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Tesla's Hardware 4 suite, introduced in 2023. The company is also considering offering a 30-day free trial for new deliveries of the FSD-S in New Zealand.

While the exact timeline and details are yet to be confirmed, the introduction of Tesla's FSD system in New Zealand marks an exciting step forward in the country's autonomous vehicle market. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.