Imagine racing through traffic like you're the star of a high-octane blockbuster, dodging obstacles and speeding ahead with reckless abandon—that's the wild promise of Tesla's latest innovation in autonomous driving! But here's where it gets controversial: is pushing the limits of speed in self-driving cars a thrilling leap forward or a recipe for disaster on our roads? Dive in with me as we unpack Tesla's bold new 'Mad Max' Full Self-Driving Speed Profile, along with some other electrifying Tesla updates that are shaking up the EV world. And this is the part most people miss: how these features might redefine safety, ethics, and even our daily commutes. Let's break it down step by step, keeping things simple so everyone can follow along, whether you're a Tesla newbie or a seasoned fan.
Tesla has just unleashed its most aggressive Full Self-Driving (FSD) Speed Profile yet, dubbed 'Mad Max' in the v14.1.2 software rollout. Picture this: on a Wednesday evening, Tesla's AI Chief, Ashok Elluswamy, dropped a tantalizing hint on X (formerly Twitter) that this update was heading to Early Access Program (EAP) users, calling it a 'much-awaited feature' accompanied by emojis of a race car and smoke—clearly signaling something fast and furious. For beginners, FSD is Tesla's advanced autopilot system that aims to handle driving autonomously, but it still requires human supervision. This 'Mad Max' mode surpasses the previous 'Hurry' profile, offering even higher speeds and bolder lane changes. It's like cranking up the intensity on a video game, but in real life. Elluswamy's post read: 'FSD v14.1.2, going to early access today, will debut a much awaited feature 🏎️💨' – and boy, did it deliver.
We got our hands on the update in a new Model Y, and the release notes didn't mince words: 'Introduced new speed profile MAD MAX, which comes with higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than Hurry.' To clarify for newcomers, 'Hurry' was already the spirited option, mimicking aggressive drivers on highways, but 'Mad Max' takes it up a notch, potentially weaving through traffic more assertively. Personally, I've found 'Hurry' to be a realistic match for real-world highway behavior, like keeping pace with impatient commuters. 'Mad Max' could be a game-changer for those who want to shave time off their trips, but it raises eyebrows—does this prioritize efficiency over caution? Think of it like choosing 'expert' mode in a driving simulator; it might get you there faster, but at what risk?
This isn't just a random idea; Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been teasing 'Mad Max' mode since 2018. He first mentioned it in connection with the Tesla Semi truck, posting an image with the caption 'It’s real.' A year later, in 2019, Musk hinted at it for Autopilot, suggesting it was perfect for chaotic spots like the LA Freeway, where traffic can feel apocalyptic. Back then, there was an earlier version of the same name, but now it's officially here with FSD v14.1.2. We'll be testing it soon and sharing insights, so stay tuned for what it feels like in action—expect reports on smoothness, responsiveness, and how it handles varying road conditions. For example, in city traffic, it might zip through gaps more aggressively, saving minutes but possibly startling other drivers.
But wait, the tease wasn't just about 'Mad Max.' Many, including yours truly, thought the update might introduce 'Banish,' a companion to Tesla's Actually Smart Summon (ASS) feature. To explain simply: ASS lets you call your car to you via the app, like a loyal robotic chauffeur. 'Banish' would flip that script—drop you off at your destination's door and then autonomously find its own parking spot. Musk recently hyped it again, saying FSD would enable this 'very soon.' With the v14.1 and v14.1.1 updates refining things like intersection handling and decision-making, 'Banish' seemed plausible. Yet, Elluswamy's emojis pointed elsewhere, leaving us guessing. Could 'Mad Max' be controversial because it encourages risk-taking, while 'Banish' promotes convenience? I'd love to hear your take in the comments—is speed more exciting than smart parking?
Shifting gears to broader Tesla news, the company is benefiting from a timely incentive in Texas, stepping in right after the federal $7,500 EV tax credit expired. For context, these tax breaks were a huge perk for electric vehicle buyers, lowering costs and boosting adoption. Now, Texas's State Commission on Environmental Quality has launched the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program (LDPLIP), offering up to $2,500 grants for qualifying EVs or hydrogen vehicles. It kicked off on October 13, and it's a first-come, first-served deal—think of it as a limited-time bonus to make EVs more accessible. Eligibility is straightforward: buy or lease a new eligible vehicle on or after September 1, 2025, get it registered in Texas, and commit to keeping it there for at least a year. The vehicle must be on TCEQ's list, new (no prior sales), and under 10,000 pounds GVWR. Tesla's entire lineup qualifies, including the Cybertruck, Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Model 3 variants—perfect timing after Tesla recently unveiled more affordable 'Standard' versions of the Model 3 and Model Y.
And this is the part most people miss: while the federal credit is gone, local programs like this show how states are picking up the slack, potentially keeping EV momentum alive. For example, if you're eyeing a Model Y Performance, that $2,500 grant could cover extras like premium tires or charging accessories. But here's where it gets controversial—some argue these subsidies distort the market, favoring EVs over gas cars unfairly. Do you think incentives like this are essential for green tech adoption, or should buyers go all-in on innovation without handouts? Drop your thoughts below!
Finally, let's talk about the drama that's been brewing: Tesla's ongoing battle over Elon Musk's massive $56 billion pay package. Approved by shareholders twice—first in 2018 and again last year—Musk was set to earn it by hitting growth targets, like boosting Tesla's value through vehicle sales and market cap milestones. But a Delaware Chancery Court tossed it in 2024, citing the board's lack of independence from Musk and calling the sum 'unfathomable.' Tesla appealed, and now attorneys are making their final pitch to the Delaware Supreme Court, arguing the 2024 vote was the 'most informed in Delaware history.' In response, Tesla proposed a jaw-dropping new plan in September: up to $1 trillion in compensation if Musk hits even bigger goals, including a $8.5 trillion market cap for Tesla. With Musk already the world's richest at $483 billion, this could make him the first trillionaire. Think about it—tying personal wealth to company success could motivate groundbreaking innovation, but critics say it's excessive and sets a dangerous precedent for executive pay everywhere.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Musk's potential trillion-dollar payday a fair reward for revolutionizing transportation, or does it scream inequality in a world grappling with wealth gaps? And this is the part most people miss: how this saga ties into broader debates on corporate governance and shareholder rights. As the case wraps up, we'll see if this 'final chapter' restores Musk's fortune. For beginners, these pay packages are performance-based, meaning Musk only gets paid if Tesla hits specific targets, like revenue or stock price goals—it's like a high-stakes bet on the company's future.
Whew, what a whirlwind of Tesla updates! From adrenaline-pumping driving modes to financial incentives and executive drama, it's clear the EV giant is pushing boundaries. But I have to ask: Do you see 'Mad Max' as a fun feature or a safety gamble? Should states keep subsidizing EVs post-tax credit, or let the market decide? And is Musk's pay package earned genius or outrageous greed? Share your opinions in the comments—I'm eager to hear differing views and spark some lively discussion!
