Tesla uses three terms for its driver assistance systems: Autopilot (AP), Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and Full Self-Driving (FSD). Many Tesla owners are confused about what's included, what needs to be purchased, and what the actual differences are. And then there's the question of FSD in Europe – when is it coming, and what will it cost? Here is the complete, up-to-date guide.
Overview: The three levels
| Level | Price | Included | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autopilot (AP) | Free | All new Teslas | Global |
| Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) | Approx. €3,900 | Purchase | Global |
| Full Self-Driving (FSD) | Subscription | Purchase/sub | US, Canada, AU, NZ, MX – EU coming |
Autopilot (AP) – included in all
Standard Autopilot is included in all new Tesla vehicles at no extra cost:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC): Automatically maintains distance and adjusts speed to traffic ahead
- Autosteer: Keeps the car in its lane on motorways and major roads
AP is a genuine Level 2 system – it requires hands on the wheel and full attention at all times. That said, it already outperforms many competitors' paid offerings.
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) – the middle tier
EAP adds a range of features on top of standard AP:
- Navigate on Autopilot: Automatically steers from motorway on-ramp to off-ramp including lane changes
- Auto Lane Change: Changes lane automatically when the indicator is activated
- Autopark: Parks parallel and perpendicular without driver intervention
- Summon: Car moves forward/backward without a driver in it
- Smart Summon: Car navigates itself to you across a car park
Price:
- Europe: Approx. €3,900 as a one-off purchase
- US: $3,000 as a one-off purchase (varies by model)
EAP is available globally and is a popular middle ground for those wanting more than standard AP without paying for the full FSD package.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) – the top tier
FSD includes everything in EAP plus:
- Autopilot on city streets: Navigates cities with traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions
- Automatic lane changes without driver activation
- Improved Smart Summon and Autopark
Important: FSD is officially 'FSD Supervised' – the driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene at all times. It is legally a Level 2 system despite its ambitious name.
FSD pricing in 2026 – it depends on where you are
Here is the crucial difference between the US and Europe:
USA (from 14 February 2026):
- One-off purchase: NO LONGER AVAILABLE – discontinued 14 February 2026
- Subscription: $99/month – the only option
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico:
- Subscription only available
Europe (as of April 2026):
- One-off purchase: €7,800 (still available in Europe)
- Subscription: NOT YET AVAILABLE – awaiting regulatory approval
- Expected subscription price: approx. €99/month at launch
➡️ In Europe you can only buy FSD as a one-off purchase – until regulatory approval enables subscriptions.
FSD in Europe – when and what's happening?
This is the burning question for European Tesla owners in 2026:
What is the status?
Tesla is actively working to get FSD approved in Europe. The Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) is the gateway to EU approval – once they approve, other EU countries can follow.
Timeline:
- Tesla targeted February 2026 – that slipped
- RDW is in the final approval stage (April 2026)
- First markets: Likely Netherlands, then Germany and France
- Broader EU: Rest of 2026 / Q1 2027
Subscription code already in place:
Observers discovered commented-out code on Tesla's Netherlands website referencing a 'Subscription Price Hook' at €99/month, pending activation via a server-side flag. Tesla is ready to flip the switch the moment regulators give the green light.
Expected pricing at EU launch:
- Monthly subscription: approx. €99–€119/month
- One-off purchase: Possibly not available (following the US model)
- Hardware requirement: HW4 – all Tesla vehicles from 2023 onwards
Who should choose what?
Choose Standard AP if:
You mainly drive on familiar routes and don't need advanced motorway steering. Free and already impressive.
Choose Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) if:
You do a lot of motorway driving and want automatic motorway navigation and parking. Good value for money in Europe.
Choose FSD (or wait for EU subscription) if:
You drive in cities, are a tech enthusiast, or want the most advanced AI driving. In Europe: wait for approval and try the monthly subscription first.
European advice: Do not buy FSD as a one-off purchase now. Wait for the subscription – it gives you flexibility to cancel and time to see whether it works well in your country.
Bonus from day one
Whatever level you choose – via a Tesla referral link you start with 1,000 km free Supercharging. The easiest way to save on your Tesla from day one.
Order your Tesla and watch the FSD approval unfold
Use our link, get your bonus – and be ready for when the FSD subscription lands in Europe.