Tesla FSD Early Access: Only for HW4 vehicles in the USA

Tesla has officially launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Early Access Program in the USA – but exclusively for vehicles with the latest Hardware 4 (HW4) computer. This program allows selected Tesla owners to test upcoming FSD features before their wide release and actively contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving.

Early Access for FSD Innovations

With the new FSD Early Access Program, Tesla gives its customers the chance to try out new features early. The program was already hinted at in a recent update of the Tesla Mobile App and is now officially available. The app prompt reads:
„Enroll to experience early features before they’re widely released. Provide your feedback and related vehicle data to help make the next release our best yet.“
This means that participating drivers will directly transmit their feedback and vehicle-specific data – including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – to Tesla to further optimize the next software versions and adapt them to real driving conditions.

Exclusive Participation for HW4 Vehicles

The crucial point is that the Early Access Program is currently only available for Tesla vehicles equipped with the latest Hardware 4 (HW4) computer. This system was introduced in new Tesla models from 2023 and enables more advanced FSD features compared to older platforms like HW3.

Only HW4: Vehicles with older hardware (e.g., HW3) are currently not eligible to participate in the program.
Focused Development: By focusing on HW4 models, Tesla aims to ensure that feedback comes from a homogeneous and technically advanced user base to accelerate the development of new FSD features.

Employee and Influencer Experience as a Model

Previously, access to early FSD builds was reserved exclusively for Tesla employees. Today, Tesla also uses influencers to test new FSD features before they are widely released to the public. The Early Access Program for public owners integrates similar processes, where the VIN appears in the release notes to avoid data leaks.

Gradual Introduction and Regional Focus

Tesla is introducing the program gradually, so not all HW4 owners in North America will immediately have the option to participate. Currently, the program is only available for US owners; this possibility has not yet been announced for Canada or other regions.

Conclusion

The Tesla FSD Early Access Program is a clear step to accelerate the development of autonomous driving – however, exclusively for vehicles with the latest HW4 equipment. By specifically incorporating customer feedback in real-time, Tesla aims to further optimize the FSD software and reach the next development milestone. If you are among the eligible US users, you now have the chance to experience the future of autonomous driving firsthand.