Tesla now says it needs its own maps for FSD after years of dismissing maps

Tesla is building its own AI-based mapping and navigation system for Full Self-Driving to fix speed-limit reading, parking and routing issues. AI VP Ashok Elluswamy said on the Q3 2026 earnings call that Tesla shouldn't depend on third-party maps; the system will start with FSD v15.

• Maps will be built from Tesla fleet data and an AI navigation architecture
• FSD v15 will first handle the start and end of trips
• Navigation, parking and destination handling follow in later months
• In 2019 Musk called relying on maps a "huge mistake"