Europeans Should Buy Tesla's FSD Beta While It's Still Cheaper Than in the US

After all, Elon Musk is adamant about FSD Beta being vital. The CEO says it will be one of the reasons why the automaker's cars will be worth a lot of money. The executive said it could end up being worth well over USD100,000. That's, of course, true in a scenario where the hardware and the code are ready for full-scale deployment.

Even so, why should Europeans get a better shot at investing early in software that will guarantee a great return? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. FSD Beta just doesn't do all that much in Europe. Over the pond, it's not even worth buying Enhanced Autopilot.

At the time of writing, FSD Beta costs USD15,000 in the US and CAD19,500 (USD14,716) in Canada. In most European countries, the ADAS is priced at EUR7,500 (USD8,277 / CAD10,909). We checked Tesla's strategy in its most important markets, and that's the price found commonly seen on the automaker's platform. Even in Eastern Europe, FSD Beta has the same price, not accounting for currency fluctuation.

Paying to unlock this software in Europe only gets customers basic Autopilot navigation, automatic lane change (when the driver signals to do so), and traffic light and sign recognition. That's it. At the time of writing, European Tesla vehicles can't automatically park, and the Summon function doesn't work. As expected, Smart Summon is also disabled.

Not guilty

Tesla can't be blamed for limiting its EVs' capabilities. It could unlock all these missing features but would do so against the law. Moreover, it didn't even have testers to begin with. As such, there is insufficient data regarding the Old Continent's roads. Some testers have recently received access, but they're actively working to lay the foundation for the European version of the ADAS. And that's pretty complicated.

It's unclear if Tesla's still hiring drivers to map out Europe, but that may not be necessary. Elon Musk said the software could work almost anywhere in the world after learning what happens on North American city roads and highways.

The European Union has yet to have a unified traffic law for every member country. Moreover, some European nations aren't part of the European Union. There's a lot of bureaucracy going on.

Early adopters are right about being upset. But they shouldn't blame the world's most valuable automaker for the EU's late regulations. Four years ago, Elon Musk promised not to update the FSD Beta pricing policy and wait until Tesla got the "OK" from all the relevant authorities.

To this day, sadly, that has not happened. Thus, Tesla can't allow FSD Beta buyers to experience what the system can do when it's working as intended.

A once in a lifetime opportunity

But there's an upside to all this. The EU is finally moving in the right direction with the legislation regarding ADAS. Thanks to the European Commission's involvement, it could give Tesla's FSD Beta the much-awaited green light as early as September.

Right now, Tesla manufactures the world's best-selling vehicle and remains a preference for most people who have switched to all-electric cars. Even better, many who haven't yet jumped to a zero-tailpipe emission powertrain strongly consider a Tesla as their first EV. That is good news for everyone because it eliminates a major worry – the resale value. Tesla will gain more market share in Europe as long as it remains popular. And with Elon Musk at the helm, that's not improbable.

Once the law is clear and FSD Beta works in Europe, many people will want to experience it. That's only going to raise the value of Tesla EVs.

Elon Musk also said his company would make Europeans pay the total price of FSD Beta when it does exactly what it says. Thus, expect its value to double as soon as EU countries (and other Old Continent nations) agree on all the laws regarding advanced driver-assistance systems. It will most likely cost EUR15,000.

Moreover, everyone expects the next generation Model 3 (Project Highland) to be officially introduced this fall. Buying this vehicle that boasts the latest hardware and enabling the trendy FSD Beta software for it... It's a match made in (Wall Street) Heaven. Those looking to secure their vehicle's value over time already envision a great deal happening.

But even better, Tesla caved and recently announced FSD Beta can be transferred. Attaching the software to the buyer's profile is the next logical step. The automaker will have to do it at some point. So, you could end up paying once for the entire suite and simply enjoy it forever as it evolves into the promised robotaxi-enabling software.

Progress is clearly ongoing. Tesla's CEO recently said that he drove the FSD V12 Alpha, which he described as being "mind-blowing."

Finally, let's remember Tesla's biggest advantage over every other EV market player – its reliable Supercharger network. Nothing seems to stop the now-Texas-based brand from remaining a colossal player in the automotive industry and strengthening its grip on the all-electric car market.

Europe, this is your shot at scoring a great deal that Americans cannot.

Fair point. Will hold on EU price change until Tesla gets clarity from regulators about Smart Summon feature release date.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 12, 2019