Everything we know about Tesla's new FSD computer HW5 / AI5

Tesla is working intensively on the next generation of its FSD computer. While the major technology leap with AI6 is still years away, the next development stage with HW5 / AI5 is already approaching. This new computer is expected to make Tesla's vehicles significantly more powerful and, above all, power the upcoming Cybercab – Tesla's robotaxi.

Significant Performance Leap Compared to HW4

The current AI4 computer is already considered extremely powerful today and forms the basis for Tesla's robotaxi test operations in Austin. However, AI5 is expected to offer three to five times more computing power.

Expected performance: 2,000 to 2,500 TOPS (trillion operations per second)
Comparison: Nvidia's gaming graphics cards RTX 5080 and 5090 reach 1,800 to 3,400 TOPS – but with significantly higher energy consumption.

The additional power allows for faster processing of more complex neural networks, evaluating more data simultaneously, and making even more human-like decisions in real-time. Particularly important: more memory for context information to better handle rare driving situations (“edge cases”).

Elon Musk himself emphasized that the difference between AI4 and AI5 is greater than any chip generation change he has ever experienced.

Production with TSMC

For manufacturing, Tesla is once again relying on one of the world's most important chip manufacturers: TSMC.

Start in Taiwan, later additionally in the new US factory in Arizona
Use of the most modern chip processes
Goal: Production security and establishment of long-term US manufacturing

The design of AI5 is already finalized.

Timeline and Initial Use

Originally, the market launch was planned for the end of 2025, but Tesla is now aiming for end of 2026 to early 2027.

The first area of application is clear: the Cybercab, Tesla's robotaxi without driver seats or steering wheel. Here, the enormous computing power is needed to ensure additional safety and redundancy systems. Only after that will AI5 also be introduced into the series models of Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.

Buy or Wait?

Many interested parties are wondering whether it makes sense to buy a vehicle with HW4 now. From today's perspective, the answer is: Yes.

HW4 is already extremely powerful and is actively being tested in robotaxi operations.
All current FSD developments are based on this hardware.
Previous hardware changes (e.g., from HW3 to HW4) have shown that it takes months for new chips to reach their full potential.

Anyone who wants to be absolutely sure can consider a 24-month lease – so the contract expires exactly when the first AI5 models go into series production.

Conclusion

With AI5 / HW5, Tesla is taking the next big step towards fully autonomous driving. The chip will form the basis for the Cybercab and later all production vehicles. However, buyers do not have to wait for AI5: Even today, HW4 offers an extremely high level of performance, which Tesla continuously improves through software updates.