The Tesla Cybertruck has Full Self-Driving "FSD," but does it drive itself? Tesla is changing how we drive and what we can do on a long road trip. Check out what Luca is doing while taking a road trip to the beach.
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Imagine what you could do while driving to the beach or on a road trip.
Luca, for instance, makes an espresso in his Tesla Cybertruck. This is the kind of convenience that Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) brings to the table.
I've driven countless times from Houston on the way to Galveston Island for a vacation at the beach. However, after the hour-and-a-half trip, I'm more tired than when I left. A long road trip can leave you exhausted. But not if you a driving a Tesla Cybertruck.
Luca Pasturini posted a video clip of himself driving his Cybertruck on a Facebook post, and it's created some controversy.
Luca says, "Sometimes I forget I have a Tesla Cybertruck that will drive itself. And sometimes, like today, I like to sit back because I'm not in a rush. I'm going to the beach, and I'm chilling driving my Tesla."
Before we hear more from Luca, what is Tesla's FSD?
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that builds upon Autopilot features. It offers features like self-parking, automatic lane changes, and traffic navigation, all while ensuring active driver supervision for maximum safety. While FSD aims to make driving easier and safer, it's not a fully autonomous system; the driver must maintain control and be ready to intervene.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Enhanced Autopilot Features: FSD includes all the Autopilot capabilities, such as Autosteer, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control.
- Supervised Driving: FSD requires the driver to manage the system actively, meaning they need to be alert, keep their hands on the wheel, and be ready to take over at any time.
- Advanced Navigation: FSD allows the car to navigate roads, including making lane changes, selecting forks to follow the route, and navigating around other vehicles and objects.
- Self-Parking: According to Tesla, FSD can automatically park the car in a designated spot.
- FSD is Not Fully Autonomous: Despite its name, FSD is not a fully autonomous system. It is designed to assist the driver and reduce workload, but the driver remains responsible for the vehicle's safe operation.
- Subscription or Purchase: FSD can be purchased as a one-time upgrade or a monthly subscription.
Here's what Luca says about his drive to the beach in his Tesla Cybertruck.
He says, "Other days, I'm in a hurry, and I have to stop everything I'm doing and actually drive my Cybertruck, but not today."
"So, what am I going to do with my time?"
"I grabbed my espresso machine because I'm Italian and make an espresso while driving. That's what I can do. I just put the coffee in, press it, and make it."
Luca looks to see if his coffee is ready, opens the lid, takes out the cup, and takes a sip. He says, "Thank you guys."
In the video clip, Luca has his shoes off and enjoys his espresso.
Next, Luca sits back and says, "I think I'm going to relax." He lies back, drinks his coffee, and says, "Ah, coffee, turn up the music," and sings along with the soundtrack.
He's traveling in the fast lane as he's doing this. However, the video clip shows he's traveling 50 miles per hour.
Lucas concludes, "Thank you, Elon. Thank you, Tesla. This Cybertruck makes my day better and better."
How is Tesla Cybertruck's FSD transforming the way owners drive?
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, available on the Cybertruck, transforms driving by offering advanced driver assistance and navigation features that reduce driver workload and improve safety. Essentially, FSD aims to move beyond basic autopilot and into a realm of more natural, intuitive driving, even in complex urban environments.
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In another Tesla Cybertruck Facebook post, Theodore Walton Denney III says this about the Cybertruck's FSD.
"We took our new Cybertruck's Full Self-Driving (FSD) out last night, and the experience was incredible. It drove us to dinner, parked itself, and later drove us home—flawlessly. This is one of the biggest indicators that TSLA remains an exceptional buy."
He continues, "FSD drives like a human with intuition—it can navigate any road, stops at T-junctions to check for traffic, is highly courteous to pedestrians and cyclists, and operates with remarkable smoothness."
How Does Tesla FSD Make Driving Safer?
While prioritizing safety, Theodore notes that Tesla's FSD may occasionally cross insignificant solid lines or follow other cars in running a red light if they do so first. He emphasizes that it provides a strong sense of security, and with Chinese traffic regulations integrated into the next version, it will be nearly perfect.
How Does Tesla FSD Compare with LiDar and Camera-Based Systems?
"By contrast, based on my driving experience and evaluations, Chinese autonomous driving systems have several major flaws. The biggest issue is their over-reliance on LiDAR—once the sensors deem a situation safe, the system fully commits, which can be risky."
"For example, it often fails to slow down at T-junctions, making it vulnerable to sudden cross-traffic collisions. Additionally, rigid programming overly constrains these systems, resulting in hesitant driving."
"Their development also remains incomplete, struggling to recognize many complex scenarios. As a result, they are mostly reliable on highways, but in low-speed urban areas, drivers must stay fully alert to use them safely."
He concludes, "Tesla's FSD isn't just autonomous driving—it's adaptive, intelligent, and evolving faster than anything else on the market."
Conclusion
Tesla's Cybertruck Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is a highly advanced, supervised autonomous driving system that can perform various driving tasks, from maintaining speed and following distance to slowing down and stopping at traffic lights. It's essentially a personal chauffeur for the driver, managing mundane driving tasks and leaving the driver to focus on other things.
Reddit user DVENTUREINC says, "It works! In "Chill" mode, FSD feels like having a personal chauffeur 99.9% of the time, handling most driving situations smoothly and efficiently. FSD significantly reduces driver fatigue by managing mundane tasks, keeping me alert and less stressed during long drives and heavy traffic."
Like Luca, many Tesla Cybertruck owners use its FSD on long road trips. It is one way Tesla is transforming how we drive.
How About You?
Do you own a Tesla Cybertruck or another Tesla model? What is your experience using Tesla FSD? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: I Had My Tesla Cybertruck on Cruise at 82 MPH and A GA State Patrol Gave Me a Ticket For Going 89 MPH, Says Anything Over 85 Is a ‘Super-Speeder’ Fine
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Luca Pasturini
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