Tesla FSD's Speed Strategy Confuses Owners, What's Next?
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has seen a significant change in how it handles vehicle speeds, causing confusion among owners. The company's AI lead, Ashok Elluswamy, recently confirmed that the previous "Max Speed" setting, which allowed drivers to set a comfortable limit, will not return. Instead, FSD relies on five "Speed Profiles," from "Sloth" to "Mad Max," which control not just speed but also driving behaviors like lane changes. This shift has left many drivers frustrated, as the profiles can lead to unpredictable speeds and a constant need for adjustments.
Earlier versions of Tesla's Full Self-Driving system gave drivers the option to set a maximum speed. This allowed for a personalized experience, letting the car navigate while staying within a comfortable and safe speed chosen by the driver. Speed is crucial for both passenger comfort and avoiding traffic violations, which can result in tickets.
However, with the release of FSD v14, Tesla removed this specific speed control. In its place, the system now uses five "Speed Profiles" like "Sloth" or "Mad Max." These profiles influence not only the vehicle's speed but also how aggressively it changes lanes or overtakes other cars. Many Tesla owners quickly voiced their concerns, wishing for the return of the individual max speed setting, believing that driving style should be separate from a fixed speed limit.
The issue escalated as these Speed Profiles proved inconsistent, changing their behavior significantly with each software update. Drivers have reported that even the "Standard" profile can feel too fast, while sometimes "Mad Max" mode drives slower than expected. This inconsistency is a major problem because drivers are ultimately responsible for any tickets or traffic infractions incurred while FSD is engaged, as the system is still considered "supervised." This means drivers must constantly monitor and intervene, leading to frequent "disengagements" – where the driver takes control due to the system's unexpected behavior.
Despite these widespread complaints and the common occurrence of disengagements due to incorrect speeds, Tesla's AI lead, Ashok Elluswamy, has confirmed that the "Max Speed" control will not be reinstated. He described it as an "anti-pattern" and reiterated the company's focus on aligning FSD's behavior with the driver's overall preferences through the existing profiles. While Tesla aims to minimize interventions, many drivers feel the current speed strategy is actively causing them.