Tesla has pushed the cut‑off for buying its Full Self‑Driving (FSD) suite outright in Australia to 31 March 2026. After that date the feature will only be available through a monthly subscription of $149. This extension gives you extra time to decide whether to pay the one‑time fee or switch to the recurring model.
New Purchase Deadline and Subscription Details
How to Secure a Perpetual License
If you place an order for a new Tesla in Australia on or before 31 March 2026 and select FSD at checkout, you can still pay the one‑time fee—historically around $10,000. The vehicle can be delivered after the deadline; the key is that the purchase order is submitted before the cut‑off.
What Changes After April 2026
Starting 1 April 2026, the only way to activate FSD will be via the $149 per month subscription. Existing owners with the latest HW4 hardware can upgrade through the Tesla app, but they must do so before the March deadline. The Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and FSD transfer promotion also end on that date.
Why Tesla Made the Extension
Tesla timed the extension to match the rollout of its autonomous‑driving software in Australia, which arrived later than in North America. By giving local buyers an extra year, the company lets you evaluate the value of a lifetime licence before the subscription model becomes mandatory.
Impact on Buyers and Resale Value
Converting a $10k‑plus feature into a $149‑monthly service smooths Tesla’s revenue stream and lowers the upfront barrier for new owners. However, if you prefer a one‑time purchase, you’ll need to act now. Cars with a perpetual FSD licence may command higher resale prices than those that only have a subscription history.
Pricing Overview
- Model 3 (RWD): approximately $54,900
- Model Y (RWD): starts around $58,900
- Model Y (Performance AWD): up to $89,400
- FSD Subscription: $149 per month (Australia)
What to Do Next
Review your budget and decide whether the one‑time fee or the monthly subscription fits your plans. If you’ve been on the fence, you have until the end of March to lock in a perpetual licence. Acting now ensures you won’t be locked into an ongoing bill later this year.
