Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta version 12 has been a hot topic over the last several months, representing an important switch that’s expected to help unlock higher levels of autonomy. And while the highly anticipated FSD v12 hasn’t yet been deployed publicly, some think that it could go out to a wider audience by the end of this month.
Last month, Tesla began rolling out the FSD beta v12.1 to Wave1, a group made up of over 15,000 employee vehicles. CEO Elon Musk went on to say that Tesla is currently performing extra testing on v12 before the software sees a wider release to the public.
In a recent look at where the FSD beta v12 is at ahead of its release, Teslascope shared a detailed breakdown of events leading up to this point on X over the weekend, adding that they’re “hopeful” that the software will be released sometime in late January. In addition, the account says that Tesla has begun internal tests of Actually Smart Summon (ASS), which has a “very likely chance” of going out later on in the first quarter.
Teslascope also points to recent feedback on the FSD beta v12 received from employees in the Wave1 group, with most answering that the software did indeed include some substantial improvements. These are summarized below, based on at least a dozen reviews shared with Teslascope from employees in California:
Tesla FSD beta v12.1: improvements to “human-like behavior” and general stability
- 72 percent said FSD beta v12.1 includes improvements in “human-like behavior” and general stability.
- 20 percent said there was no change to “human-like behavior” and general stability.
- 8 percent said these factors had worsened.
Tesla FSD beta v12.1: improvements to roundabout encounters
- ~40 percent said FSD beta v12.1 improved roundabout encounters had improved.
- ~50 percent said there was no change to roundabout encounters.
- ~10 percent said these factors had worsened.
Tesla FSD beta v12.1: improvements to lane-keeping
- 37 percent said FSD beta v12.1 offered improvements to lane-keeping.
- 60 percent said there was no change to lane-keeping.
- 3 percent said these factors had worsened.
Despite the hopefulness, the account also notes that the Cybertruck release has caused Tesla to put some extra energy into creating a stable FSD beta build for the vehicle, though Musk recently noted that the electric pickup would be the lowest priority for the FSD beta. Because of the extra effort put into this, the account says that delays could be possible and that they’re continuing to monitor the ongoing deployment of the version to those within the Wave1 group.
Tesla unveiled plans for the FSD beta v12 last year, featuring the elimination of over 300,000 lines of human-written code that previously controlled functions such as steering, acceleration and braking. Instead, v12 is expected to rely much more heavily on its neural network, training its artificial intelligence (AI) through massive amounts of real-time driving footage, and using the neural network to actually control the vehicle, rather than just detecting objects.
Musk also debuted the FSD beta v12 in a live stream in August, and he has also said that the version would lose its “beta” designation. Tesla began rolling FSD v12 out to employees in November, and screenshots from the Wave1 group appeared to show that the version will still use the beta moniker.
What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send your tips to us at tips@teslarati.com.
News
Elon Musk confirms Tesla Semi will enter high-volume production this year
Musk shared his update in a post on social media platform X.
Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla will begin high-volume production of the Class 8 all-electric Semi this year.
He shared his update in a post on social media platform X.
Musk confirms Tesla Semi production ramp
Tesla CEO Elon Musk reaffirmed on X that the Semi is finally moving into volume production, posting on Sunday that “Tesla Semi starts high volume production this year.”
The update comes as Tesla refreshed its Semi lineup on its official website, an apparent hint that the program is transitioning from limited pilots into wider commercial deployment. As per Tesla’s official website, two variants of the Semi will be offered to consumers: Standard and Long Range.
The Standard trim offers up to 325 miles of range with an energy consumption rating of 1.7 kWh per mile and a gross combination weight rating of 82,000 pounds. The Long Range version pushes driving range to 500 miles, with Tesla noting a higher curb weight of about 23,000 pounds, likely due to a larger battery pack.
Both trims support fast charging, with Tesla stating that the Semi can recover up to 60% of its range in 30 minutes using compatible charging infrastructure.
Broader Tesla Semi rollout
Tesla has already delivered production Semi units to select partners, including snack and beverage giant PepsiCo as well as logistics behemoth DHL, which confirmed that its truck operates daily in California, traveling roughly 100 miles per day and requiring charging just about once a week.
The company has also partnered with Uber Freight, as noted in a Benzinga report, with Tesla executives previously describing the agreement as a way for fleet operators to experience the Semi’s lower operating and maintenance costs firsthand.
With Musk now publicly committing to high-volume production, the Semi appears poised to move beyond pilot programs and into scaled commercial use, an important step in Tesla’s wider push to electrify heavy-duty and long-range trucking.
News
Tesla tops France reliability rankings, beating Toyota for the first time
The milestone was celebrated by CEO Elon Musk on social media platform X.
Tesla has overtaken Toyota to become France’s most reliable car brand in 2025, as per a new nationwide reliability ranking published by Auto Plus magazine.
The milestone was celebrated by CEO Elon Musk on social media platform X.
Tesla tops reliability ranking in France
Tesla ranked first overall in Auto Plus’ 2025 reliability study, surpassing long-time benchmark Toyota across all powertrain types, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
The ranking, published on February 6, 2026, evaluated early problems reported in 2025 on vehicles registered in France since January 1, 2018, with fewer than 150,000 kilometers on the odometer, as noted by a Numerama report. This marked Tesla’s first appearance in the magazine’s reliability rankings, which was enabled by the company’s growing vehicle population in the French market.
According to the publication, Tesla vehicles showed no recurring major defects beyond isolated suspension arm issues, which are covered under the company’s four-year or 80,000-kilometer warranty. Other reported issues were described as minor, including occasional screen glitches and door handle concerns.
Why this ranking differs from earlier criticism
Tesla’s top placement contrasts sharply with past assessments from the German Automobile Club (ADAC), which previously ranked the Model 3 and Model Y low in its technical inspection reports. Auto Plus noted that those inspections were focused heavily on factors such as brake disc wear, which are not necessarily the best benchmarks for overall vehicle reliability.
By focusing instead on real-world reliability data and early ownership issues, Auto Plus’ methodology offered a broader picture of how vehicles perform over time rather than how individual components age under inspection standards. The publication emphasized that electric vehicles, with far fewer moving parts than combustion-engine cars, are not inherently less reliable.
While the ranking supports the case that electric vehicles can match or exceed the reliability of traditional brands, the magazine acknowledged limitations in its analysis. Still, Tesla’s debut at the top of the list underscores how perceptions of EV durability are shifting as more long-term data becomes available in major automotive markets like France.
News
Tesla’s Sweden standoff draws UAW support as unions widen pressure campaign
In a post shared on social media, the United Auto Workers stated that it stands with IF Metall workers who are striking against Tesla Sweden.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has publicly expressed solidarity with Swedish union IF Metall as its strike against Tesla continues, adding international attention to the extended labor dispute in the European country.
UAW supports IF Metall’s strike
In a post shared on social media, the United Auto Workers stated that it stands with IF Metall workers who are striking against Tesla Sweden. UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith stated that the union fully supports IF Metall’s efforts to secure a collective bargaining agreement with the automaker.
“UAW stands with IF Metall workers on strike against Tesla, fighting for a collective bargaining agreement. UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith pledged the UAW’s full support and solidarity,” the UAW International Union stated in its post.
IF Metall launched its strike against Tesla Sweden in late 2023 over the electric car maker’s refusal to sign a collective agreement. The action has since been supported by other unions through sympathy strikes affecting ports, logistics, and service operations.
Tesla Sweden has maintained that it complies with Swedish labor laws and offers competitive pay and benefits, though the company has not publicly commented on the UAW’s latest show of support.
Tesla owners get union attention
Pro-union groups in Sweden have recently expanded their outreach beyond Tesla’s facilities and workforce. Activists have begun distributing informational leaflets against the EV maker directly on Tesla vehicles parked across Stockholm, as per a report from Swedish outlet Dagens Arbete.
The yellow slips, designed to resemble parking notices, urge regular Tesla owners to pressure the company into signing a collective agreement. Organizers involved in the effort have argued that the leaflets are intended to simply inform consumers rather than single out individual owners. When owners are present, however, activists stated that they explain the dispute verbally.
Tesla has not issued a public response regarding the leaflet distribution campaign as of writing.
Elon Musk confirms Tesla Semi will enter high-volume production this year
Tesla tops France reliability rankings, beating Toyota for the first time
