Tesla Reports 1.74 Million Self-Driving Subscriptions
The company sees a 67% increase in active subscriptions for its Full Self-Driving software over the past year.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Tesla now has 1.74 million active Full Self-Driving subscriptions, marking a 67% year-over-year increase. This total includes customers who previously paid for the feature upfront as well as those currently paying the $99 monthly fee.
Why it matters
The company is tracking this figure to satisfy requirements for the 2025 CEO Performance Award, which includes a milestone of reaching 10 million active subscriptions. Tesla projects that hitting this target will take approximately 8 to 12 years.
Tesla added 260,000 net subscriptions during Q3 2026, contributing to a 75% attach rate for new North American vehicle deliveries. The cumulative base now stands at 10.2 million vehicle deliveries.
The players
Tesla
Tesla is an American automotive and clean energy company known for its electric vehicle production and autonomous driving technology development.
The details
Tesla ended the option for a one-time Full Self-Driving purchase on February 14, 2026, transitioning new users to a $99 monthly subscription model. This count excludes customers who are currently utilizing free trial periods for the software.
Timeline
February 14, 2026: Tesla ended one-time Full Self-Driving software purchases.
Q2 2026: North American customers began new monthly subscriptions.
Q3 2026: Tesla reached 1.74 million active subscriptions.
2035: The 2025 CEO Performance Award expires.
Roadmap
This transition to a recurring revenue model aligns with broader industry efforts to maximize long-term software margins rather than one-time hardware sales. It marks a significant shift in how Tesla monetizes its autonomous driving stack against growing competition.
New Tesla customers are now required to pay a $99 monthly fee for Full Self-Driving functionality since one-time purchases are no longer available. Owners should note that this subscription is distinct from temporary promotional trials and requires active account management.
The takeaway
Tesla is focusing on consistent subscription revenue as a primary indicator of its software service growth. Owners should track their subscription status to ensure they remain eligible for software updates as the company pursues its long-term milestone goals.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Electric Vehicles industry.
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