Tesla owners share perks of owning the EV over any other car

Some drivers touted Tesla Autopilot.

Several Tesla owners said they love the car’s Autopilot driver assist feature.

All Tesla models are equipped with the feature, which enables a car to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane. The function does not replace the role of a driver, but is intended to make driving easier and cut down on accidents.

Some drivers can also opt into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, a beta feature that costs $15,000 — or $199 per month — and allows the vehicle to change lanes, as well as recognize stop lights and stop signs.

One Tesla owner said Autopilot and the company’s beta feature helps him feel safer on the road.

“I feel like it gives me an extra layer of protection when I’m driving,” John Brusniak, a 71-year-old Model S owner that is based in Texas. He said he doesn’t fully trust the FSD feature, however.

“Your driving skills wane as you get older and it just helps me go from point A to point B without having to worry as much,” he said.

Not everyone is sold on the features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Autopilot and its potential connection to several accidents and the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused the company of falsely advertising its Autopilot and FSD features.