Elon Musk Promises Tesla Owners the Ability to “Text and Drive” with Upcoming FSD Update
During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk made a bold statement that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system could soon allow drivers to “text and drive.” Musk explained that the company is “almost comfortable” with letting owners use their phones while the vehicle handles driving duties autonomously. He suggested this capability could arrive within “a month or two.”
Currently, Tesla’s FSD system operates at Level 2 autonomy, which still requires driver supervision. Musk’s claim hints at a move toward Level 4 capability, where the car can manage all driving tasks without human intervention. While he mentioned Tesla will assess safety data before rollout, he did not elaborate on the regulatory discussions or specific safety measures in place for such functionality.
Cybercab Production to Begin in 2025
Musk also revealed that production of Tesla’s long-awaited Cybercab — an autonomous robotaxi — is set to begin by April next year. Unlike traditional vehicles, the Cybercab will not include pedals, a steering wheel, or side mirrors, as it is designed entirely for autonomous operation. Musk likened its manufacturing process to smartphone assembly, claiming the company aims to produce one unit every 10 seconds.
Tesla’s Flying Car Plans
Another major highlight was Musk’s update on Tesla’s flying car concept, initially teased during a podcast with Joe Rogan. The CEO announced that a demo of the flying vehicle is now scheduled for April 1, 2026 — an ironic date that has led some to speculate whether it’s an elaborate April Fools’ joke. Nonetheless, Musk asserted that production could begin about a year after its unveiling, though his timelines have historically been overly ambitious.
Optimus: Tesla’s Most Ambitious Product Yet
While Musk discussed future vehicle technologies, a humanoid robot named Optimus stood silently on stage. Musk described it as potentially “the biggest product of all time,” surpassing even smartphones in scale and impact. He outlined Tesla’s plan to start with a production line of one million units, expanding to ten million and eventually reaching up to a billion robots per year. Musk envisions Optimus serving in healthcare, assistance, and even law enforcement — suggesting robots could monitor criminals rather than imprison them.
Shareholders Approve Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Package
Before Musk took the stage, shareholders approved his record-breaking pay package valued at up to $1 trillion over the next decade. To achieve the full amount, Tesla must reach several milestones, including hitting a market valuation of $8.5 trillion (up from its current $1.4 trillion) and selling one million Optimus robots.
Source: Engadget – “Elon Musk says Tesla owners can ‘text and drive’ very soon”
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