Morgan Stanley's Adam Jonas Declares Tesla's Full Self-Driving a 'Game Changer' After Extensive Test

Covers infotainment, ADAS and software updates. Daily: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Project car: NB Miata with a homebrew CarPlay retrofit.
In a bold endorsement of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, Morgan Stanley's analyst Adam Jonas recently completed a 1,400-mile journey from New York to Michigan with his Tesla Model Y. Jonas reported that the FSD software managed over 99% of the trip, calling it a 'game changer' for long-distance driving.
Adam Jonas, a prominent analyst at Morgan Stanley, embarked on a significant journey to evaluate the capabilities of Tesla's Full Self-Driving software. Covering a 1,400-mile round trip from New York to Michigan in his 2021 Tesla Model Y, Jonas was equipped with Hardware 3 and the latest FSD Supervised version, v12.6.4. Throughout the drive, he experienced the convenience of having his hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals for nearly 12 hours. Jonas pointed out that except for two heavy downpours and minor maneuvering in parking lots, the FSD managed the trip without human intervention. 'FSD made no mistakes or close calls that I recall,' he stated, further emphasizing the system's safety and confidence on highways.
Jonas's extensive use of Tesla's FSD technology over the past 18 months for $8,000 has proven to be a valuable investment in his view. He praised not only the FSD system but also Tesla's Supercharging network, which supported his long-distance trip seamlessly. Jonas's insights come at a pivotal time as discussions around the future of autonomous vehicles and their integration into daily life continue to grow. During Morgan Stanley's 13th Annual Laguna Conference, Jonas reiterated his positive experiences with Tesla's software, stating that FSD 'probably drove well over 99% of the miles' on his recent trips, further solidifying his stance on the software's impact on the automotive industry.
The implications of Jonas's endorsement go beyond individual consumer experiences, as they contribute to the larger conversation about the role of autonomous driving in Tesla's future. As one of Wall Street's most influential voices on Tesla, Jonas's remarks add weight to the debate surrounding the company's strategic direction and market potential. His current price target for Tesla stock is set at $410, indicating his confidence in the company's trajectory, especially with advancements in autonomy.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving software represents a significant leap in automotive technology, offering a glimpse into a future where vehicles can manage most driving tasks autonomously. The software's ability to handle complex driving conditions with minimal human input highlights the progress made in artificial intelligence and machine learning. As more consumers and industry experts like Jonas test and validate the capabilities of FSD, the acceptance and potential integration of autonomous vehicles into everyday life become increasingly viable.
Looking ahead, the continued development and refinement of Tesla's FSD technology could redefine the automotive landscape. As more individuals experience firsthand the convenience and safety of autonomous driving, the demand for such features is expected to rise. Tesla's pioneering efforts in this domain not only position the company as a leader in the electric vehicle market but also as a key player in the future of transportation technology. The endorsement from industry experts like Adam Jonas underscores the transformative potential of FSD, paving the way for broader acceptance and adoption.

About Noah Stein
Covers infotainment, ADAS and software updates. Daily: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Project car: NB Miata with a homebrew CarPlay retrofit.