Elon Musk has recently announced that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will soon enable owners to text and drive safely. This capability, expected to be available in a month or two, is part of the upcoming enhancements in Tesla’s autonomous driving features. The announcement builds on Musk’s earlier confirmation in July 2025 that the Grok AI from xAI would be integrated into Tesla vehicles very soon. However, this news comes amid reports of some Tesla owners selling their vehicles at a loss to distance themselves from Musk.
Musk’s Statement on Texting and Driving
Elon Musk has made a bold claim that Tesla’s FSD will soon allow drivers to text while their vehicle is in operation. This feature, as Musk shared in a recent update, is designed to permit hands-free interactions like texting while the vehicle operates under FSD supervision. Musk emphasized the impending rollout during discussions on Tesla’s progress toward unsupervised autonomy, indicating a significant step forward in the company’s autonomous driving technology.source
Timeline for FSD Enhancements
The texting and driving feature is projected for implementation in approximately one to two months from November 6, 2025, according to Musk’s direct statement. This timeline aligns with Tesla’s ongoing software updates for FSD, which are focused on reducing the need for driver interventions. Early testing phases have already demonstrated FSD’s ability to handle complex scenarios without constant attention, suggesting that the technology is nearing readiness for this new feature.source
Grok AI Integration into Tesla Vehicles
On July 10, 2025, Elon Musk announced that Grok, an AI developed by xAI, would be coming to Tesla vehicles very soon. Grok is designed to enhance in-car AI interactions, potentially supporting features like voice-activated texting. The integration of Grok is targeted at all Tesla EVs, with the aim of improving the user experience during autonomous drives.source
Technical Details of Grok in EVs
The rollout of Grok in Tesla EVs was expected shortly after the July 10, 2025 announcement. Grok’s capabilities include natural language processing for commands, which could tie into FSD for safer multitasking. This addition builds on Tesla’s existing AI ecosystem, aiming for seamless hardware-software synergy and enhancing the overall driving experience.source
Owner Reactions to Musk’s Leadership
Despite these advancements, there have been reports of Tesla owners selling their vehicles at a loss to cut ties with Elon Musk. Some owners cite dissatisfaction with Musk’s public persona and the direction he is taking the company as reasons for their divestment. This trend highlights a divide among Tesla’s customer base amid high-profile announcements and raises questions about the potential impact on Tesla’s market position.source
Implications for Autonomous Driving Safety
Musk’s claim that Tesla owners can ‘text and drive’ very soon raises questions about regulatory approval and real-world testing. The evolution of FSD toward allowing such distractions depends on achieving Level 4 or 5 autonomy standards. Experts note that while AI advancements like Grok could mitigate risks, human oversight remains crucial during transitions to ensure safety.
Broader Impact on Tesla’s Market Position
The FSD texting feature could boost Tesla’s appeal in the EV market, differentiating it from competitors. Combined with Grok integration, it positions Tesla as a leader in AI-driven mobility. However, owner sell-offs signal potential challenges in maintaining brand loyalty. As Tesla continues to innovate, it will be crucial for the company to address these concerns and ensure that its advancements align with customer expectations and regulatory standards.
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