Tesla gives free FSD holiday gift to all but HW3 vehicles

Tesla is doling out a complimentary trial of its Full Self-Driving software to everyone with a newer vehicle that comes with an AI4 (or HW4) kit of computer and cameras.

The free FSD 14 offer is going out to each of the approximately 1.5 million owners of newer Tesla cars that run on HW4 in the form of an email that urges them to take its advanced driver-assist system for a spin. Unfortunately, HW3 vehicles needn't apply, as Tesla is preparing an FSD 14 Lite version of sorts for them, rather than the promised AI4 hardware retrofit. It would only be released after Tesla's Robotaxi platform expands to more major metro areas later this quarter and in early 2026, though.

Despite having cars that are best equipped to run the latest FSD 14.2 version, only a fraction of Tesla owners have subscribed for the $99/month option, or bought it outright for $8,000. Elon Musk is of the opinion that FSD 14, and especially its upcoming 14.3 update, are a quantum leap in self-driving capabilities.

Free Tesla FSD trial duration

FSD 14 is capable of handling both common scenarios and edge cases on the road with zero interventions, but its abilities are nothing if Tesla owners and the public have no idea about them.

This is why Tesla decided to give away a 30-day FSD trial to everyone with a HW4 vehicle, or the same offer it has for those who buy a new car. That is a $99 value, but, more importantly, it gives the opportunity to try FSD 14 to those who wouldn't even consider it otherwise, including its Speed Profiles like Mad Max or Sloth Mode, and the Arrival Options self-parking feature.

Needless to say, they will be spreading the word to friends and relatives who ride as passengers, too, so the cumulative effect will be much greater than the share of 1.5 million HW4 vehicle owners who decide to take Tesla up on the offer.

As for who is eligible for the free FSD deal by Tesla, the offer includes owners of newer Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, or Cybertrucks that are running the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) 14.2 software update in any North American market, as well as Puerto Rico.

Tesla says "or later software," indicating that it is maybe planning to release the big "sentient" FSD 14.3 update before the end of the year, just as promised, so those who sign up for the free FSD trial now may be in for a treat in time for the holidays.

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