UPDATE: Tesla has just confirmed the imminent launch of its Full-Self Driving (FSD) technology in Australia! Following a demonstration of FSD (Supervised) navigating the streets of Sydney, Tesla’s Country Director, Drew, announced that the company is in the final stages of validation, with no regulatory hurdles remaining.
This exciting news marks a major milestone in Tesla’s journey, which began with the initial FSD beta release in October 2020. After years of anticipation, Australians are on the brink of experiencing this transformative technology, which could redefine mobility for countless individuals, especially the aging population.
Why This Matters NOW: The rollout of FSD is particularly significant for older Australians who may struggle with traditional driving. Drew emphasized the potential of FSD to provide vital independence to those who might otherwise be housebound. “This technology can be life-changing and, for some, life-saving,” he stated.
Tesla is expected to begin the rollout with HW4 vehicles, reflecting a strategy seen in other international launches. The company is working closely with local authorities across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring that everything is aligned for a smooth public release. Drew’s comments suggest that we can anticipate the first customer vehicles equipped with FSD within just a few weeks, likely by October 2023.
While many eagerly await this launch, questions remain regarding older models. The Model 3 and Model Y imported from Shanghai are already equipped with the necessary hardware, but many HW3 vehicles sold between 2019 and 2022 may miss out on the initial rollout. Tesla has previously hinted at developing upgraded hardware for these models, but no specific timeline has been provided yet.
The emotional weight of this development cannot be overstated. For families with aging members, the promise of autonomy through FSD could mean the difference between isolation and social engagement. As one observer noted, “This technology is not just about innovation; it’s about giving people their freedom back.”
As Tesla prepares for this historic launch, many are left wondering when exactly FSD will hit the roads in Australia. The anticipation is building, with hopes that a more definitive timeline will emerge in the coming weeks. With the community actively engaging through platforms like Say.com, Tesla is listening to concerns and questions, particularly regarding the rollout for HW3 vehicles.
Stay tuned for more updates as Australia gears up to become the first right-hand drive country to embrace Tesla’s groundbreaking Full-Self Driving technology. As the technology edges closer to public release, the excitement is palpable, and many are eager to share their thoughts on this transformative leap in transportation.
