Tesla FSD v14 Is Here — Does It Change the Case for a Novated Lease?
Tesla's FSD Supervised v14 just dropped. Here's what the update actually means if you're considering a Tesla on a novated lease in Australia. Plain English.
Tesla has released FSD (Supervised) v14, and the reviews are coming in. According to The Driven's first-drive assessment [Source 1], the update brings noticeably smoother, more conservative driving behaviour — and a meaningfully improved auto-parking capability. The headline verdict from their reviewer: it drives like a sloth and parks like a boss.
For most people, a software update to a driver-assistance system isn't exactly front-page news. But if you're an Australian PAYG employee deciding whether to put a Tesla on a novated lease right now, it's worth understanding what this means for the vehicle you'd actually be living with.
What this means for novated lease customers
The FSD v14 update is relevant to novated lease customers for one practical reason: Teslas are among the most popular EVs taken on novated leases in Australia, and one of the most common questions we hear is whether the technology justifies the price point.
The short answer is that FSD (Supervised) remains exactly that — supervised. As The Driven's reviewer notes [Source 1], you still need to pay full attention at all times. It is not autonomous driving. If you're budgeting for a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y on a novated lease, factor in that FSD is an optional add-on cost, not a standard inclusion on most variants sold in Australia.
The more commercially important point is this: EVs including eligible Tesla models currently benefit from the FBT exemption for eligible zero-emissions vehicles under Australian tax law, which can represent meaningful potential savings for PAYG employees compared to buying the same car outright. A smoother, more capable software stack makes those vehicles more compelling to hold through a full lease term — but the tax treatment is what drives the financial case, not the parking assist.
Common questions
Does the FSD v14 update cost extra on a novated lease?
FSD is priced as an optional add-on by Tesla, separate from the vehicle purchase price. If you choose to include it, the cost can typically be wrapped into the novated lease — your broker can structure this. Ask millarX to confirm current Tesla pricing before you commit.
Are Tesla vehicles still FBT-exempt in Australia?
Eligible zero-emissions vehicles — including certain Tesla models priced under the luxury car tax threshold — currently qualify for the FBT exemption under Australian tax law. Rules can change, so always verify the current position with your broker or tax adviser before signing.
Is FSD (Supervised) v14 available in Australia?
Tesla typically rolls out software updates globally on a staggered basis. Check your Tesla app for availability on your specific vehicle — regulatory approval timelines in Australia can differ from the US.
Should I wait for a better Tesla model before signing a novated lease?
There's always a newer model or software version around the corner with Tesla. The financial case for a novated lease is driven by your income, the FBT exemption, and how long you hold the vehicle — not by whether the latest software update has shipped. Don't let feature FOMO delay a decision that could be saving you money now.
What's the difference between FSD Supervised and full autonomy?
FSD Supervised still requires the driver to remain attentive and in control at all times — it is not a fully autonomous system. As The Driven's review makes clear, the driver is responsible for the vehicle's behaviour at all times.