Our Tesla Cybertruck just received the FSD 12.5.5 software update. Can it really driver by itself while being monitored by an attentive driver? Let’s find out!
We purchased this Cybertruck AWD Foundation Series at the end of April 2024, and we paid $20,000 on top of the truck’s $80,000 base price to include Full Self Driving (FSD). However, we did NOT get the feature until today (October 2nd, 2024). Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD) was never really full self driving. This latest software release is called FSD (Supervised) 12.5.5. How does it work? Tommy and I take it for a first “ride” through Boulder, Colorado!
First up, we must read the FSD 2024.32.20 software release notes. There is important information there. The truck’s interior camera that is watching the driver must unobscured. The person in the driver’s seat must be paying attention at all times. The truck will attempt to get the driver’s attention if they stop being attentive.
This FSD version claims to be the first end-to-end supervised self-driving system that includes the built-in navigation system. You tell the truck where to drive, the truck calculates the route through a city or on the highway, then the truck sets off.
No other manufacturer with any vehicle that is currently on sale now in the United States claims to do something like this. GM has a very robust Super Cruise hands-free (supervised) system, but it currently does not work inside a city.
The FSD 12.5.5 works very well during our 3.3 mile ride through the city, until it encounters a disabled Subaru Forester that is stopped in its lane. The truck changed lanes to avoid hitting the Subaru, but Tommy had to help it go a little wider to give the broken car extra room. The Cybertruck then got a bit confused by a sharp 90-degree turn into the McDonalds parking lot.
Still, this camera-based self-driving system was smooth, confident, and safe during our first short test. What happens during inclement weather, with snow on the roads, or in many other odd scenarios? We will keep testing this system and we will update you on what we find.
