Analyst Takes the Challenge
According to Bloomberg, William Stein, an analyst at Truist Securities (an investment banking firm), decided to test FSD following Musk’s encouragement. His experience was anything but smooth, raising critical questions about the system’s readiness.
Source: Wikimedia
“My quick intervention was absolutely required to avoid an otherwise certain accident,” Stein reported.
A Near Miss at the Intersection
During his test drive, which took place during clear and dry conditions in the New York suburbs, Stein’s Tesla Model Y reportedly accelerated through an intersection while the car ahead was still completing a turn.
Source: Freepik
This dangerous move necessitated Stein’s immediate attention and manual takeover to prevent a collision.
FSD’s Permissiveness Raises Alarms
One of the most concerning aspects for Stein was the system’s permissiveness.
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He noted that FSD allowed him to keep his hands off the wheel and eyes off the road for 20-40 seconds before issuing a warning.
Handling Traffic and Lane Closures
On a positive note, Stein found FSD’s handling of lane closures, potholes, and traffic flows impressive.
Source: Freepik
The system adapted well to these challenges, making the driving experience feel more natural. However, these successes do not overshadow the far more critical safety concerns.
More Manual Interventions
Another manual intervention was required when a police officer signaled Stein to pull over for a funeral procession.
Source: Pexaby/Pexels
FSD failed to recognize the hand motions, requiring Stein to take control. This highlights the system’s limitations in handling human interactions.
Illegal Lane Changes on Highways
Stein also experienced the Model Y making illegal lane changes on a curvy, narrow highway with solid white lines, which indicate no lane changes are allowed.
MassDOT/Wikimedia Commons
Sgsin, this violation of road rules is a significant safety concern that needs more attention.
Mixed Reviews from Stein
After two test drives, Stein’s reviews were mixed. Initially, he described FSD as “stunningly good, but not useful today.”
Source: Wikimedia
His subsequent test drive left him with the impression that the system was “no better, arguably worse,” conveying the inconsistency in FSD’s performance.
Elon Musk’s Vision vs. Reality
Musk has been a strong advocate for FSD, placing significant emphasis on it amid slowing EV sales.
Source: UK Government/Wikimedia Commons
However, Stein’s experiences suggest that the technology is not yet ready for full autonomy, contradicting Musk’s optimistic projections.
Delayed Robotaxi Prototypes
Tesla’s planned unveiling of robotaxi prototypes, originally set for October, has been delayed by about two months.
Source: Eric Rothermel
This postponement aligns with Stein’s observations and suggests that more work is undoubtedly needed to refine FSD technology.
Musk’s Response and FSD Updates
In response to ongoing critiques, Musk announced on X that Tesla is deploying an updated version of FSD.
Source: dole777/Unsplash
However, he clarified that these updates do not make Tesla vehicles fully autonomous, which is a critical distinction for consumers and investors alike.
The Future of Full Self-Driving
While Tesla’s FSD has made impressive strides, it is clear from Stein’s experiences that significant challenges remain.
Source: Richard Bord/WireImage
As Tesla continues to develop this technology, the focus must be on ensuring safety and reliability to achieve true autonomy.