Further published documents provide clarity. Tesla will soon install its new Hardware 4 (HW4) technology in new vehicles. Tesla has received European approval to sell its latest FSD hardware in the Model S and Model X vehicles. Exactly when the latest hardware will arrive has been a mystery until now. There was speculation that Tesla might wait until the release of Cybertruck to introduce the advanced system, meaning it would have to wait until late summer/fall 2023 for a release. But the document that has now been published shows that the HW4 will be delivered quickly.
Unfortunately, the European certificate does not reveal any details about the HW4. It is expected that the system will use 5-megapixel cameras, which will give the autopilot a significant advantage in detecting more distant objects. The new hardware will also include a new FSD computer that is expected to be about four times more powerful than the one in the current Hardware 3. In addition, HW4 is expected to include HD radar. In the same line as the new FSD computer, Tesla also mentions a new GNSS antenna that will be used for GPS.
In addition, other updates to the Model S and X have been approved, such as the increased top speed, the new Gen3 inverter and changes to the automatic headlights. Furthermore, the Model X gets a unified braking system and a new boom for the interior rearview mirror.
Tesla will not upgrade its existing fleet to HW4. During the fourth quarter conference call, Elon Musk said the cost and difficulty of upgrading Hardware 4 is quite high. "So it would not be, I think, economically feasible to do that," he said. This could be due to the new HD radar, the new power or space requirements for the new computer or radar, or the complexity of the wiring harnesses. There could be more to the HW4, which has not yet been disclosed.
It is not surprising that Tesla has decided to introduce HW4 first for the Model S and Model X. Since these are lower volume vehicles, it makes sense to introduce these changes slowly. Parts may still be limited or Tesla may want to reduce the cost of a recall if there are issues with the new hardware. The Model 3 and the Model Y remain unaffected at this time. However, it is likely that Tesla will Model 3 and Model Y will be updated as soon as possible. It is quite possible that after publication also many Model 3 and Model Y orderers will wait until the update with their order.
BREAKING: Tesla gets approval to sell Model S and Model X in Europe with Hardware 4 (HW4/AP4) https://t.co/teaEOmwutD
- Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) February 10, 2023
