Full self-driving coming to NZ

Tesla has confirmed a version of its full self-driving (FSD) system will soon be rolled out in New Zealand and Australia.

The countries will be the first to receive the right-hand-drive version of the technology, which uses cameras and software to accelerate, brake, steer and navigate traffic without the driver having to hold the steering wheel.

Tesla says after recent testing in Australia, FSD supervised is capable of handling traffic lights, roundabouts, intersections and hook turns, reports 7News.

Industry experts say the semi-autonomous system is a significant step up from features motorists are used to, such as cruise control, lane assist and automatic parking.

Motorists using FSD supervised, which is classified as a level two driver-assist system, can let go of the wheel as long as they’re sitting in the car and able to control it.

Owners of Model 3 and Model Y cars running the latest HW4 hardware are expected to be the first down under to benefit from the technology, but no official date has been set for its release, reports 7News.

FSD supervised is set to cost about $11,000 if bought outright, although subscription options are expected to be announced.