Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk has decided to phase out the one-time purchase option for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) by February 14, 2026, favoring a Software as a Service (SaaS) model instead [1]. Pricing and Market Strategy - In the U.S., the one-time purchase price for FSD is $8,000, while the monthly subscription price will decrease to $99, making the subscription equivalent to a purchase over 81 months. In China, the buyout price is approximately 64,000 RMB, with the subscription model expected to lower the barrier for adoption and increase subscription rates [2]. - Reports indicate that FSD has received "partial approval" in China, with full approval anticipated around February or March 2026. The monthly subscription fee in China is projected to be between 499 and 699 RMB [2]. Technological Developments - Tesla's FSD continues to utilize an end-to-end Variational Autoencoder (VA) architecture, with ongoing optimizations. The focus is on user acceptance and engineering improvements, indicating a challenging period ahead for autonomous driving [3]. - Recent advancements in FSD include the development of 3D Gaussian closed-loop simulation capabilities, which are expected to enhance action optimization [2]. Future Outlook - The company is also making strides with its Optimus V3 project, which is anticipated to be a transformative technology, potentially overshadowing Tesla's automotive legacy [3].