Tesla is once again shaking up the electric vehicle world—and this time, it’s not with a new car, but with a jaw-dropping offer that has Tesla fans and industry insiders buzzing. The company is making its most valuable software, the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite, available for free—but only if you’re willing to meet one very specific condition.

A $12,000 Feature, Now Free—But Only for Cybertruck Buyers

For years, Tesla’s FSD package has been one of the most coveted and controversial features in the automotive world. Priced at a hefty $12,000, it promises a future of hands-free driving and AI-powered convenience. Now, in a move that’s caught even the most seasoned Tesla watchers off guard, the company is offering a free transfer of FSD—but only if you upgrade to the company’s latest head-turner, the Cybertruck.

That’s right: if you already own a Tesla with FSD, you can now transfer the software to a brand new Cybertruck at no extra cost. The catch? You have to buy the Cybertruck to get the deal.

This marks a major shift for Tesla, which previously locked FSD to the original vehicle, making it non-transferable even if owners upgraded to a new Tesla. The new offer, quietly posted on Tesla’s Current Offers page, is a first for the company and signals a bold play to boost Cybertruck sales.

Why the Sudden Generosity?

The move comes less than two years after Tesla’s much-hyped Cybertruck finally hit the streets. Despite its futuristic design and cult following, the Cybertruck’s rollout has been met with mixed reviews and production challenges. By offering the FSD transfer, Tesla is sending a clear message: it wants more drivers behind the wheel of its latest electric beast.

Industry analysts see the offer as a strategic attempt to jumpstart Cybertruck adoption. “This is a classic Tesla move—create buzz, reward loyal customers, and drive sales for a new product,” says auto industry analyst Mark Fields. “It’s also a sign that the company is feeling the pressure to move inventory and maintain its leadership in the EV market.”

The Fine Print: What Tesla Owners Need to Know

While the offer sounds almost too good to be true, there are some important details to keep in mind:

The transfer is only available for current Tesla owners with FSD.
It applies exclusively to new Cybertruck purchases.
Previous FSD transfer promotions only covered Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles.

For those who’ve already shelled out thousands for FSD, the chance to carry that investment over to a new vehicle—especially one as high-profile as the Cybertruck—is a rare opportunity.

The Bigger Picture: Tesla’s Financial Tightrope

Tesla’s surprise offer isn’t happening in a vacuum. The company is facing a rapidly changing landscape, both in terms of competition and its relationship with Washington. Recent reports suggest that government subsidies have played a massive role in Tesla’s meteoric rise, accounting for at least 38% of its profits last year, according to Sky News.

In the first quarter of this year alone, Tesla reportedly made $595 million from regulatory credits—almost 50% more than its net earnings of $409 million. Without these subsidies, analysts warn, Tesla could be operating at a loss.

And there’s more turbulence on the horizon. Elon Musk’s once-friendly relationship with former President Donald Trump has soured, with Trump publicly criticizing Musk’s reliance on government support. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and, without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back to South Africa.”

Gordon Johnson, a well-known Tesla skeptic and investment analyst, told Sky News: “The changes that Trump is proposing have significant implications—negative implications—for Tesla’s fundamentals. If all of these government programs were taken away, Tesla would go into losing money and burning cash and the stock would implode.”

The Musk-Trump Fallout: What’s at Stake?

The rift between Musk and Trump reportedly began after Musk stepped down from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Since then, the two have traded barbs, and the political winds have shifted. For Tesla, which has benefited enormously from federal incentives, the prospect of losing that support is a real concern.

Still, Elon Musk remains undaunted. Known for his bold bets and headline-grabbing offers, he appears determined to keep Tesla at the forefront of the EV revolution—no matter what obstacles arise.

Fans React: Excitement, Skepticism, and a Rush for the Cybertruck

The internet, predictably, has exploded with reactions. Some Tesla fans are thrilled by the offer, seeing it as a long-overdue reward for early adopters. Others are skeptical, wondering if the deal hints at deeper troubles for the Cybertruck or the company itself.

On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), users are already sharing tips on how to take advantage of the FSD transfer, with one user writing, “This is the push I needed—Cybertruck, here I come!” Another joked, “I paid $12,000 for FSD and all I got was this awesome truck.”

What’s Next for Tesla?

As the auto industry waits to see how many buyers take the bait, one thing is clear: Tesla isn’t afraid to take risks. The company’s willingness to give away its most valuable software—at least for now—shows just how high the stakes have become in the battle for EV supremacy.

Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen. But if history is any guide, Elon Musk is betting that a little generosity now will pay big dividends down the road.

How We Keep It Real

At [Your News Outlet], we’re committed to separating fact from hype. All information in this article is based on Tesla’s official statements, credible news reports, and on-the-record analysis. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops—and bring you the latest updates, straight from the source.