PersonalBusiness
About the NRMASupportAccessibilityAccessibility
NRMA Roadside, Travel and Rewards
  • About the NRMA
  • Support
  • Accessibility
Open Road
News
2025
Tesla makes huge announcement on self-driving tech in Australia

Tesla makes huge announcement on self-driving tech in Australia

Tesla has green-lit Level 2 autonomous technology which will allow “hands-off driving” – with a catch.
Row of Tesla cars
23 August, 2025
Written by  
Sam Charlwood

Tesla has outlined plans to release Level 2 autonomous driving technology as an option for its latest models in Australia.

The US EV maker has green-lit its ‘Full Self Driving (Supervised)’ assistance suite for future use Down Under – five years after it approved the same software for use in the US.

There is no firm timeline for the rollout of the technology in Australia, but Tesla Australia officials flagged to media this week that it wasn’t far away as part of a showcase in Brisbane.

Officially dubbed Tesla’s Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS), the technology importantly requires drivers to remain in control of the vehicle, with their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. This means it is largely similar to how drivers treat existing systems such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist.

The technology isn’t a standard feature on new Tesla’s, but rather part of a $10,100 optional software suite that relies on eight exterior cameras which run information into an on-board computer. The set-up purportedly uses driving data from billions of kilometres uploaded by Tesla owners around the world.

The data is then used to create a real-time presentation of the road environment, helping navigate road markings, other road users, traffic lights and other everyday obstacles.

In order to enable to software, drivers must first give consent to a long list of terms and conditions, which will then allow the car to accelerate, brake, steer, signal and merge lanes – all with a watchful eye from the driver, ready to take over if need be.

Examples of the updated Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y released in the past 18 months (fitted with the required Hardware 4 suite) will be the first to be upgraded with the Level 2 autonomous capability if drivers so choose. A 30-day free trial of the service will be offered on all new Tesla Model 3 and Model Y deliveries.

Older Tesla Models fitted with an older Hardware 3 suite will be offered Level 2 capability with a retrofit performed by Tesla technicians.

Both Australia and New Zealand will be the first right-hand drive markets globally to feature Tesla’s Level 2 capability.

It is understood the driver is still legally in control of the vehicle in the event of a crash.  

Share this article
facebook
twitter-x
linkedin
Pinterest
Whatsapp
Email

You might also like

Silver LHD Model Y L front row
Silver LHD Model Y L front row
Six-seater Tesla Model Y specs revealed but still in air for Australia
Six-seater Tesla Model Y specs revealed but still in air for Australia
 
Silver LHD Model Y L front row
Silver LHD Model Y L front row
Six-seater Tesla Model Y specs revealed but still in air for Australia
Six-seater Tesla Model Y specs revealed but still in air for Australia
 
Side view of an electric vehicle charging cable plugged into a car.
Side view of an electric vehicle charging cable plugged into a car.
New record for electric cars as ICE age declines
New record for electric cars as ICE age declines
 
Side view of an electric vehicle charging cable plugged into a car.
Side view of an electric vehicle charging cable plugged into a car.
New record for electric cars as ICE age declines
New record for electric cars as ICE age declines
 
Tesla news
Tesla news
What’s next for Tesla in Australia?
What’s next for Tesla in Australia?
 
Tesla news
Tesla news
What’s next for Tesla in Australia?
What’s next for Tesla in Australia?
 
A white GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid parked in a driveway
A white GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid parked in a driveway
Longest range PHEVs with V2L in 2025
Longest range PHEVs with V2L in 2025
 
A white GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid parked in a driveway
A white GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid parked in a driveway
Longest range PHEVs with V2L in 2025
Longest range PHEVs with V2L in 2025
 

We're for rewarding all Australians

Menu
Membership
Roadside assistance
Cars and driving
Car batteries
Car insurance
Driving lessons
Travel
Quick links
Renew membership
Request roadside assistance
Join My NRMA Rewards
My NRMA app
Find offers and discounts
Find electric vehicle chargers
Support
About us
Who we are
Our community impact
Careers
Media
Connect with our community
instagram
facebook
youtube
twitter-x
linkedin
©️2025 National Roads and Motorists’ Association Limited. ABN 77 000 010 506.
Sitemap
Privacy policy
General conditions
Cookie policy