Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised) Australian Style

Arthur Hunt, an electric vehicle enthusiast based in Queensland, has shared his detailed experience with Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) Supervised system in his new 2026 Model 3 Long Range. Having previously owned a 2020 Model 3 Standard Range, Arthur highlights the significant improvements in range and technology with the latest model, which features an 85 kWh battery and a real-world range of 625 km. The FSD Supervised function allows hands-free driving from destination input to arrival, covering a variety of road conditions including country roads, highways, and congested urban traffic in Brisbane. Arthur’s account emphasises the system’s ability to handle complex driving scenarios such as roundabouts, traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings with a high degree of safety and reliability. The vehicle’s eight cameras continuously monitor the environment, enabling it to respond appropriately to traffic conditions and road features like speed humps. Despite the hands-free operation, the driver remains alert and ready to intervene if necessary, maintaining safety while reducing the mental load of driving. A notable aspect of Arthur’s journey was a 1,546 km round trip to Brisbane and back, where FSD was employed extensively on highways and motorways. The car demonstrated confidence in lane-keeping at speeds of 100-110 km/h, automatic overtaking of slower vehicles, and seamless navigation through complex urban layouts including on-ramps and merging lanes. Arthur recounts an incident where the car showed what appeared to be human-like intuition by following a queue diversion through roadworks without driver input, underscoring the system’s advanced situational awareness. Charging infrastructure and range were also key factors in the trip’s success. The new Tesla Model 3’s longer range, combined with fast-charging stations along the Bruce Highway, allowed for efficient and convenient recharging stops. Arthur describes using Tesla Superchargers with CCS2 compatibility, noting the ability to check charger availability in advance and charge to 85-91% within 30 to 45 minutes during meal breaks. This infrastructure, along with home charging at a low cost, supports the practicality of long-distance travel in electric vehicles across regional Australia. Arthur’s experience also highlights the growing community and support network around electric vehicles in Australia, including interactions with fellow Tesla owners and contributors to EV advocacy. Practical tips such as avoiding toll charges through navigation settings illustrate the evolving knowledge base among EV users. Overall, the journey demonstrates the maturity of Tesla’s FSD supervised technology and the expanding feasibility of electric vehicle travel in diverse Australian conditions.