Photo: CNN
A new video shared by CNN‘s Transportation Editor Michael Ballaban shows him testing out a Tesla Model 3 with Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta engaged on the streets of New York. It appears the vehicle was lent to CNN from an owner who had qualified for FSD beta.
The video shows a series of apparent missteps by the FSD system, including a moment where the system attempts to avoid a cyclist by steering into an oncoming UPS delivery truck in the next lane – which Ballaban dramatically intervened to avoid.
A nervous Ballaban–with his seat looking way too close to the steering wheel– points out that the system does well when going down straightaways, but that it still requires interventions every few blocks or so when in busier parts of the city.
In the video, CNN said, “This is officially not truly ready for public consumption. A lot of people have issues with this being called “Full Self-Driving.”
A frantic Ballaban continued, “First and foremost, it’s not Fully Self-Driving – I have to sit here.” FSD beta is meant to be driven with both hands on the wheel and drivers ready to take over at any given moment.
Ballaban likens the experience to teaching a teenager to drive, during which the teacher is always waiting and watching – and experiencing some level of anxiety, too, while making the other drivers around a little bit upset.
In addition, Ballaban says that actual autonomous driving may yet be a few years away, despite the naming convention.
Others have expressed concerns over the system’s name, including officials in California who say the name is confusing and misleading.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to an article by Teslarati over the CNN test, saying, “I suspect that article was written before the drive even took place.”
I suspect that article was written before the drive even took place
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 19, 2021
