Tesla is shaking up how it delivers driver assistance features, and it’s a change that’s raising eyebrows among car buyers here in Oklahoma and across the country. The company has officially removed its free lane-centering feature, a hallmark of its Basic Autopilot system, from its mass-market vehicles like the Model 3 and Model Y.

Instead, new Tesla owners will get basic cruise control, with no steering support included. Those wanting more advanced driver assistance, like automated lane changes or traffic light handling, will need to subscribe to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package or purchase it as an add-on. This marks a significant shift from Tesla’s earlier approach, where such features were bundled into the sticker price.

What’s Changing

The change is already reflected in Tesla’s online configurators for the Model 3 and Model Y. New buyers will no longer see the familiar Basic Autopilot option that included lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Instead, Tesla is positioning Full Self-Driving as its main software product for advanced driving assistance.

For drivers, this means that features like autosteer, which helps keep the car centered in its lane, are no longer included by default. To access these capabilities, buyers will need to pay a monthly subscription fee or make a one-time purchase of the Full Self-Driving package. According to reports, this shift represents Tesla’s broader strategy of moving toward a subscription-based model for its software offerings.

How It Affects Drivers

For many Oklahoma Tesla owners, this change might feel like losing a key part of what made the cars appealing in the first place. Lane-centering and adaptive cruise control have been seen as core safety and convenience features, especially for those who drive long distances on highways like I-35 or I-40. Now, these features are being treated as premium add-ons.

“It’s frustrating,” said Jordan Miller, an Edmond resident who drives a Tesla Model 3. “I bought my car thinking these features would always be included. Now, I’d have to pay extra for something I used to get for free.”

For folks considering a new Tesla, the shift could impact their decision-making. Some may feel hesitant about committing to a car that requires ongoing payments for features they might consider essential. Others might see it as part of a broader industry trend, as more automakers explore subscription-based pricing for software-driven features.

Why Tesla Is Doing This

Industry analysts say Tesla’s move reflects a growing push among automakers to treat software as a recurring revenue stream. By charging for features like lane-keeping or traffic light handling, Tesla can generate ongoing income long after the car is sold. This strategy could also help fund the development of more advanced self-driving technologies.

However, the shift raises questions about how much safety and convenience features should cost. Critics argue that features like lane-centering are safety-adjacent and should be included as standard, not treated as luxuries.

“It’s a bold move,” said Rebecca Carter, an automotive analyst based in Tulsa. “Tesla is essentially testing the waters for the entire industry. If drivers accept this model, we could see other carmakers follow suit.”

What’s Next

For now, new Tesla buyers will need to decide whether to pay for Full Self-Driving or stick with basic cruise control. The subscription model could appeal to those who want flexibility, but it might deter folks who prefer a one-time purchase.

If you’re considering buying a Tesla, it’s worth taking a close look at what’s included in the base price and what will cost extra. For current owners, Tesla has not announced any changes to existing features, so those who already have Basic Autopilot should not see any immediate impact.

As more automakers adopt software-driven business models, this could be just the beginning of a larger shift in how cars are sold and priced. For now, drivers here in Oklahoma and beyond will be watching closely to see how this experiment plays out.