Tesla’s Autopilot is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that can help drivers navigate the road more safely and efficiently. It includes a range of features such as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer, and Auto Lane Change, which can help drivers maintain their speed, stay in their lane, and avoid collisions.
However, there are two different versions of Autopilot available: Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two versions of Autopilot and help you decide which one is right for you.
Basic Autopilot is the standard version of Autopilot that comes with all Tesla vehicles. It includes features such as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer, Auto Lane Change, and Autopark.
These features can help drivers maintain their speed, stay in their lane, change lanes automatically, and park their car in a parking spot. However, Basic Autopilot does not include some of the more advanced features that are available with Enhanced Autopilot.
Enhanced Autopilot is a premium version of Autopilot that can be added to your Tesla vehicle for an additional fee. It includes all of the features of Basic Autopilot, as well as some additional features such as Navigate on Autopilot, Summon, and Autosteer on city streets.
These features can help drivers navigate more complex driving scenarios, such as highway interchanges and city streets. However, Enhanced Autopilot is more expensive than Basic Autopilot, and it may not be necessary for all drivers.
The table below highlights the differences between Basic and Enhanced Autopilot.
| Feature | Basic Autopilot | Enhanced Autopilot |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Autosteer | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Lane Change | Yes | Yes |
| Autopark | Yes | Yes |
| Navigate on Autopilot | No | Yes |
| Summon | No | Yes |
| Price | Included in the vehicle purchase price | Additional fee (varies based on model and purchase date) |
| Subscription | Not applicable | Available |
| Driver Supervision | Required | Required |
| Safety Features | Automatic Emergency Braking, Collision Warning, Side Collision Warning | Same as Basic Autopilot plus additional features |
| Active Safety Features | Blind-Spot Monitoring, Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assistance | Same as Basic Autopilot |
| Sensors | Cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors | Same as Basic Autopilot |
| Full Self-Driving (FSD) | Not included (FSD is a separate feature) | FSD is a separate feature, currently in beta testing |
| FSD Operation | Not applicable (Basic Autopilot does not include FSD) | Requires human supervision |
Table of Contents
Understanding Tesla Autopilot
Tesla Autopilot is a suite of advanced safety and convenience features that are designed to assist drivers with the driving experience. Autopilot is available in two versions: Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot.
What is Basic Autopilot?
Basic Autopilot is a standard feature on all new Tesla vehicles. It includes adaptive cruise control, autosteer, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control allows the car to automatically adjust its speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Autosteer allows the car to steer itself within its lane, while lane-keeping assistance helps keep the car centered in its lane.
What is Enhanced Autopilot?
Enhanced Autopilot is a paid upgrade that includes all the features of Basic Autopilot, plus additional features such as auto park, summon, and Navigate-on-Autopilot. Auto park allows the car to automatically park itself in a parking spot, while summon allows the car to drive itself to you in a parking lot. Navigate-on-Autopilot is a feature that allows the car to automatically change lanes, take exits, and navigate on highways with minimal driver input.
Driver Supervision
It’s important to note that both Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot require active driver supervision. This means that the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times and be prepared to take control of the vehicle if necessary. Tesla emphasizes that Autopilot is not a fully autonomous driving system and should not be treated as such.
In summary, Tesla Autopilot is a suite of advanced safety and convenience features that can assist drivers with the driving experience. Basic Autopilot is a standard feature on all new Tesla vehicles and includes adaptive cruise control, autosteer, and lane-keeping assistance. Enhanced Autopilot is a paid upgrade that includes all the features of Basic Autopilot, plus additional features such as auto park, summon, and Navigate-on-Autopilot. Both versions of Autopilot require active driver supervision and are not fully autonomous driving systems.
Detailed Comparison: Basic Autopilot vs Enhanced Autopilot
Tesla offers two versions of the Autopilot system: Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot. In this section, we will compare the two versions of Autopilot to help you decide which one is right for you.
Features
The Basic Autopilot includes features such as adaptive cruise control, auto lane change, and autopark. On the other hand, the Enhanced Autopilot includes all the features of the Basic Autopilot plus Navigate on Autopilot, which allows the car to automatically take exits and change lanes on the highway.
Price
The Basic Autopilot is included as a standard feature in all new Tesla vehicles. However, if you want to upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot, it will cost you an additional fee. The price of Enhanced Autopilot varies depending on when you purchased your Tesla.
Subscription
Tesla also offers a subscription service for Enhanced Autopilot. This means you can pay for Enhanced Autopilot on a monthly basis instead of paying for it upfront. This can be a good option if you’re not sure if you want to commit to Enhanced Autopilot long-term.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision between Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you primarily drive on the highway and want the convenience of Navigate on Autopilot, then Enhanced Autopilot may be the better option for you. However, if you’re satisfied with the features of Basic Autopilot, then there is no need to pay extra for Enhanced Autopilot.
Safety Features and Considerations
When it comes to safety, Tesla’s Autopilot system is designed to assist the driver and reduce the risk of collision, but it is not a substitute for an attentive driver.
Active Safety Features
Tesla’s active safety features are designed to help prevent accidents from happening. These features include automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and side collision warning. Automatic emergency braking is designed to stop the car in the event of an impending collision, while collision warning and side collision warning alert the driver to potential hazards.
Enhanced Autopilot vs Basic Autopilot
Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot offers additional safety features such as Navigate on Autopilot and Summon. Navigate on Autopilot provides automatic lane changes and highway exits, while Summon allows the car to park itself in tight spaces. Basic Autopilot, on the other hand, comprises four key features: blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted several investigations into Tesla’s Autopilot system, including a probe into a fatal crash involving a Model S in 2016. While the NHTSA has not found any defects in the Autopilot system, it has issued guidance to manufacturers on how to ensure the safe operation of autonomous vehicles.
Sensors
Tesla’s Autopilot system relies on a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to detect and respond to its surroundings. The cameras provide a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings, while the radar and ultrasonic sensors help to detect objects in the car’s path.
Overall, Tesla’s Autopilot system is designed to assist the driver and reduce the risk of collision, but it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for an attentive driver.
Full Self-Driving: A Look Ahead
As Tesla continues to develop its autonomous driving system, Full Self-Driving (FSD) is the ultimate goal. FSD will allow the car to operate without any human intervention. This means that the car will be able to navigate city streets, stop at traffic lights and stop signs, and recognize and respond to other traffic signals.
FSD is currently in beta testing, and it is only available to a select group of Tesla owners. Elon Musk has stated that he expects FSD to be fully released by the end of 2023. However, it is important to note that FSD is still in development, and it is not yet clear when it will be available to the general public.
One of the key features of FSD is the ability to operate as a robotaxi. This means that the car will be able to pick up passengers and take them to their destination without any human intervention. This feature has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry, and it could significantly reduce the number of cars on the road.
Another important aspect of FSD is the lack of a traditional steering wheel and pedals. Instead, the car will be controlled by a touchscreen interface. This will allow for a more streamlined and intuitive driving experience.
It is important to note that FSD is not yet fully autonomous, and it still requires human supervision. Tesla owners who use FSD will be required to pay attention to the road and be ready to take over control of the car if necessary.
Overall, FSD represents the future of autonomous driving, and it has the potential to significantly change the way we think about transportation. As Tesla continues to develop and refine its autonomous driving system, we can expect to see more and more features added to FSD, making it an even more compelling option for Tesla owners.
Controversies and Misunderstandings
When it comes to Tesla’s Autopilot system, there have been a few controversies and misunderstandings that have arisen over the years. Here are some of the key issues:
Misleading Terminology
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Tesla’s Autopilot system is the naming of its features. In 2021, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy criticized Tesla’s use of the term “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) to describe its autonomous driving features. Homendy argued that the name was misleading and could lead to dangerous situations where drivers overestimate the capabilities of the system.
Beta Testing
Another issue that has come up with Tesla’s Autopilot system is the use of beta testing for new features. Tesla often releases new Autopilot features to a select group of customers for testing before rolling them out to the wider public.
While this can help Tesla refine its features and catch bugs, it has also led to some safety concerns. For example, in 2021, a Tesla owner was killed in a crash while using a beta version of the FSD system.
Full Self-Driving (FSD)
As mentioned earlier, Tesla’s FSD system has come under fire for its misleading name. However, beyond that, there are also concerns about the safety and reliability of the system.
While Tesla claims that FSD is capable of fully autonomous driving, many experts are skeptical. Additionally, there have been reports of the system malfunctioning or failing to detect obstacles on the road.
Overall, while Tesla’s Autopilot system has many benefits, there are also some controversies and misunderstandings that surround it. It’s important to understand the limitations of the system and to use it responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tesla’s basic and enhanced autopilot features?
Tesla’s basic autopilot feature includes traffic-aware cruise control and Autosteer, which helps keep the car centered in its lane. Enhanced Autopilot includes additional features such as Navigate on Autopilot, Summon, and Auto Lane Change.
Is it worth subscribing to Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot?
Whether or not it’s worth subscribing to Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot depends on your driving habits and needs. If you frequently drive on the highway and in heavy traffic, the additional features offered by Enhanced Autopilot, such as Navigate on Autopilot and Auto Lane Change, may be worth the investment. However, if you primarily use your car for short commutes or drive in areas with little traffic, the basic autopilot feature may be sufficient.
How does Navigate on Autopilot work?
Navigate on Autopilot uses real-time traffic data to autonomously navigate the car to a destination. The feature can suggest lane changes, take exits, and even park the car in a parking lot. However, the driver must still pay attention to the road and be prepared to take control of the car if necessary.
What is the price difference between Tesla’s basic and enhanced autopilot?
The price difference between Tesla’s basic and enhanced autopilot varies depending on the model of the car. As of November 2023, the price for basic autopilot ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, while the price for Enhanced Autopilot ranges from $7,000 to $10,000.
Can basic autopilot stop at red lights?
No, basic autopilot cannot stop at red lights. This feature is only available with Full Self-Driving Capability, which is currently in beta testing and not yet available to the general public.
How do I check if my Tesla has enhanced autopilot?
To check if your Tesla has Enhanced Autopilot, go to the Autopilot settings in your car’s touchscreen display. If you see options for Navigate on Autopilot, Summon, and Auto Lane Change, then your car has Enhanced Autopilot. If you do not see these options, then your car has basic autopilot.
