Yanuki
Tech / Electric Vehicles
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology faces increasing skepticism from U.S. consumers, according to a recent survey. This comes as Tesla expands its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, aiming to demonstrate its progress in autonomous dr...
### Consumer Perception of Tesla FSD The Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report for August 2025, conducted by Slingshot Strategies, reveals that a significant portion of U.S. consumers are wary of Tesla's FSD. The survey of 8,000 Americans showed that only 14% were more likely to buy a Tesla because of FSD, while 35% were less likely. 51% reported it made no difference. This negative perception is further compounded by the fact that nearly half of those surveyed believe FSD technology should be illegal. [Read Slingshot's full Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report for August 2025 here?ref=yanuki.com].
### Tesla's Robotaxi Expansion Tesla has been expanding its Robotaxi service in Austin, but the scale of the operation is limited. While Tesla announced a 50% increase in its Robotaxi fleet, the initial size was never confirmed. Estimates suggest the fleet has only grown from approximately 20 to 30 vehicles. In comparison, Waymo already operates over 100 vehicles in Austin. This disparity raises questions about Tesla's ability to compete effectively in the autonomous ride-hailing market.
### Regulatory Scrutiny and Brand Reputation Consumer concerns about the safety and regulation of autonomous vehicles are growing. Most consumers polled want clear and strong regulations in the U.S. governing autonomous vehicles, whether they're fully or partially automated. Tesla's brand reputation has also suffered, with an increasing number of consumers viewing Tesla cars as unsafe. This decline is likely due to a combination of factors, including concerns about FSD, Elon Musk's public persona, and recent product liability lawsuits.
Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that offers a limited set of self-driving capabilities on residential and city streets. It is currently offered as a subscription or a one-time purchase.
Tesla advises drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and be ready to take over, but there are safety concerns.
Tesla's Robotaxi service operates in Austin, Texas, with Tesla employees in the front passenger seats ready to stop the car at any moment. It uses a supervised version of Tesla's FSD technology.
Do you think Tesla can overcome the challenges facing its FSD technology? Let us know in the comments below!
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