Tesla's FSD (Full Self Driving) feature will be subscription-only from February 14

This shift is linked to Musk's 2025 CEO Performance Award, which requires Tesla to reach **10 million active FSD subscriptions** over the next decade. As of late 2025, only about **12% of the Tesla fleet** had paid for FSD.

Currently, if one wishes to purchase FSD outright, it's $8000. Once the one-time purchase is removed, users must choose between the following subscription plans:

**Monthly:** $99 per month. **Annual:** $999 per year.

At $99 per month, it'll take approx. 7 years to match $8000 one-time purchase (assuming price remains $99 in the future)

.....

I think, people should have seen this coming, as this article suggests ([Tesla making FSD subscription is the latest move in turning you car into a Recurring Revenue machine](https://rohanrhpt2017.wordpress.com/2026/01/16/tesla-making-fsd-subscription-is-the-latest-move-in-turning-you-car-into-a-recurring-revenue-machine/)) . Everything has become subscription based. Businesses don't do 1 time sale anymore, if they want to survive. They need recurring revenue.

Overall, this news will mean hit differently for 2 parties. Tesla shareholders and Tesla Owners.

For Tesla Shareholders, it sounds like a good decision, because it will provide Tesla with predictable subscription income.

But for the Tesla owners, particularly customers who prefer ownership over recurring payments.