The transition of the Tesla Model Y from Hardware 3 (HW3) to Hardware 4 (HW4) has unfolded with distinct timelines and regional variations. This comprehensive analysis, based on the latest evidence, breaks down everything you need to know.
1. Upgrade Timeline and Regional Differences
North America (Starting May 2023):
indicate that Tesla began progressively equipping Model Ys manufactured at its Fremont, California factory with HW4 from late May 2023. However, this was a transitional period where HW3 and HW4 vehicles coexisted. Customers reported receiving some Long Range and Performance variants with upgraded HW4 cameras (larger side cameras, higher resolution front cameras), but it wasn't a full-line switch. specifically noted that HW4 was initially exclusive to the North American market, with European and Chinese factories (Shanghai/Berlin) not yet implementing it at that time.
China Market (Starting February 2024):
On February 1, 2024, Tesla China officially announced that all Model Ys produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory would be upgraded to HW4, with no change in price. The upgrade includes a longer detection range, clearer camera vision (5-megapixel), and stronger computing power (CPU cores increased from 12 to 20, max frequency from 2.2GHz to 2.35GHz). Prior to this (October 2023), explicitly stated that the upgraded Model Y in the Chinese market was still using HW3. Tesla customer service publicly responded that "Autopilot hardware has not been upgraded to 4.0," confirming that the HW4 upgrade in China occurred in 2024.
2. Core Hardware Upgrade Improvements
Camera System:
HW4 camera resolution is boosted to 5-megapixels (HW3 was 1.2-megapixels), offering a wider field of view and significantly higher clarity. through comparison images, show that HW4's side camera housing is larger, and the front-facing camera is simplified from a triple-lens to a dual-lens setup (the third being a dummy lens). mentions that HW4 provides superior vision in scenarios like unprotected turns.
Computing Power:
HW4 adopts a Samsung Exynos architecture, with CPU core count increasing from 12 to 20, and a maximum frequency boost from 2.2GHz to 2.35GHz. indicates that HW4's theoretical computing power is 3-5 times that of HW3, but currently, it still operates in a "simulated HW3 mode" because neural network models have not yet been adapted to the new hardware, resulting in limited actual experience improvement.
Other Improvements:
mentions HW4 motherboard design changes, including Ethernet port layout adjustments, a change in gateway chip suppliers, and added radar support (e.g., "Phoenix radar"). states that HW4 includes more camera locations (e.g., A-pillar, cabin interior) and new sensors.
3. Upgrade Limitations and User Considerations
Cannot Upgrade from HW3 to HW4 Independently:
states that HW3 vehicles cannot be retrofitted or upgraded to HW4 due to significant hardware architecture differences (e.g., incompatible motherboard interfaces, camera protocols).
Software Functionality Not Yet Fully Released:
emphasize that despite HW4's stronger hardware, current functionalities are similar to HW3 due to unoptimized software. Tesla has already shifted to developing HW5, potentially skipping deep development for HW4.
Verify Hardware Version on Delivery:
notes that during the transition period (e.g., 2023), the same batch of Model Ys might mix HW3/HW4. It is advised to check camera appearance or system information upon vehicle collection.
4. Special Dynamics in the Chinese Market
mention that the Chinese version of the HW4 Model Y gained the "Quicksilver" paint color, exclusive to the Berlin Gigafactory, as a complementary upgrade.shows that Tesla positioned HW4 as part of its 2024 sales strategy in the Chinese market, emphasizing its improvements in driving functions and performance.
Conclusion
- Upgrade Timeline: Model Y's HW4 upgrade began in May 2023 in North America, with a full implementation in China starting February 2024.
- Core Improvements: Enhanced camera resolution (5-megapixels), CPU performance (20 cores/2.35GHz), and sensor upgrades, though software is not yet fully adapted, leading to limited actual experience improvement.
- User Advice: Chinese consumers purchasing Model Y after February 2024 will default to HW4; early owners cannot upgrade independently and will need to await future iterations like HW5.
FAQs
After the Tesla Model Y was upgraded to HW4 at the Chinese factory in February 2024, has the production of HW3 versions completely ceased?
mentions that Tesla upgraded the Model Y to HW4.0 autonomous driving hardware in February 2024. This indicates that HW4.0 has been applied to the Model Y. However, this evidence does not explicitly state whether the production of HW3 versions has completely ceased.
Typically, when a company introduces a new hardware version, older versions may be gradually phased out or their production reduced to drive the market towards higher-performance products. But specifically for the Tesla Model Y, there is no direct evidence indicating that HW3 production has entirely stopped.
Therefore, based on available information, we cannot confirm whether Tesla Model Y HW3 version production has completely ceased after the upgrade to HW4 at the Chinese factory in February 2024. Further information is needed to confirm this situation.
Has the 5-megapixel resolution of the HW4 camera significantly improved the perception capabilities of Tesla's FSD system?
Firstly, from a hardware configuration perspective, the 5-megapixel resolution of the HW4 camera is indeed an improvement over previous cameras, which can enhance the ability to capture image details to a certain extent. However, whether it significantly improves the perception capabilities of the FSD system requires a comprehensive judgment based on software algorithms and actual application effects.
From a technical perspective, higher pixel resolution can provide clearer images, which helps the FSD system's accuracy in identifying road signs, pedestrians, vehicles, and other objects. For example, higher resolution can enable the system to identify objects more accurately at long distances or in low-light conditions, thereby improving the safety of autonomous driving. However, it should be noted that an increase in pixel resolution does not necessarily mean a linear increase in perception capability. This is because the FSD system relies on complex deep learning algorithms, and the performance of these algorithms depends not only on the quality of the input data but also on the training method and optimization degree of the model.
From a practical application perspective, Tesla's FSD system employs multi-camera fusion technology to improve perception accuracy through the collaborative work of multiple cameras. Even if the resolution of a single camera is improved, if the data from other cameras or sensors is not correspondingly improved, the overall perception capability may not be significantly enhanced. Furthermore, Tesla's FSD system also relies on radar and ultrasonic sensors, and the data from these sensors also significantly impacts perception capability.
From user feedback and market performance, Tesla's FSD system has achieved good results in practical applications, especially on urban roads and highways. However, regarding whether the 5-megapixel resolution of the HW4 camera has significantly improved perception capability, there is currently no clear public data or user feedback to support this conclusion. Therefore, the answer to this question may require more testing and verification to determine.
In summary, the 5-megapixel resolution of the HW4 camera can enhance the perception capabilities of the FSD system to a certain extent, but its significance needs to be comprehensively evaluated in conjunction with software algorithms, multi-sensor fusion, and actual application effects.
Has Tesla HW4's 20-core CPU and 2.35GHz frequency brought performance improvements in actual driving?
Whether Tesla HW4's 20-core CPU and 2.35GHz frequency have brought performance improvements in actual driving needs to be analyzed comprehensively, considering Tesla's hardware configuration, software optimization, and actual driving experience.
From a hardware configuration perspective, Tesla HW4's 20-core CPU and 2.35GHz frequency theoretically possess strong computing capabilities, able to support more complex autonomous driving algorithms and real-time data processing. For example, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system relies on powerful computing power to process sensor data, plan paths, and make decisions. Higher CPU frequency and more cores can improve the processing efficiency of these tasks, thereby providing a smoother and safer experience in actual driving.
However, performance improvements in actual driving also depend on software optimization and system integration. Tesla's HW4 is not just a hardware platform but also the core of its autonomous driving system. Tesla continuously updates the FSD software, optimizing algorithm efficiency and response speed. For instance, Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" feature on the HW4 platform has achieved a higher level of autonomous driving capabilities, including automatic lane changes, automatic parking, and automatic navigation. The realization of these functions relies on efficient hardware and software synergy, not just hardware performance.
Furthermore, Tesla's HW4 integrates other hardware components such as GPU, memory, and storage devices, which together form a complete computing platform. While CPU performance is one of the key factors, overall system optimization is a critical determinant of the actual driving experience. For example, Tesla's HW4 may adopt a low-power architecture to ensure that performance is not affected by overheating or excessive power consumption during vehicle operation.
In conclusion, Tesla HW4's 20-core CPU and 2.35GHz frequency have indeed brought performance improvements in actual driving, but this improvement is based on the synergy of hardware and software optimization. Through continuous updates and optimization of its autonomous driving system, Tesla enables the HW4 platform to provide a safer and smarter driving experience in actual driving.
Do Tesla HW4 motherboard design changes affect vehicle compatibility or upgrade paths?
According to currently public information, Tesla HW4 is a significant upgrade in Tesla's autonomous driving system, aiming to enhance vehicle perception capabilities, computing power, and overall performance. However, regarding whether its design changes affect vehicle compatibility or upgrade paths, there are currently no direct official statements or technical documents that explicitly clarify this.
From a technical perspective, motherboard design changes usually imply adjustments to the hardware architecture, which may affect software compatibility. For example, if the new motherboard uses different chips or interface standards, the existing software versions may not run directly, thus requiring software updates or re-adaptation. In this case, the vehicle's upgrade path may be affected, and users may need to wait for Tesla to release new software versions to fully utilize the new hardware's functions.
On the other hand, Tesla has always been known for rapid iteration and software-defined vehicles. In past practices, Tesla has continuously optimized vehicle performance and functions through OTA (over-the-air) updates. Even if the hardware changes, compatibility can be achieved through software adaptation. Therefore, if the HW4 motherboard design changes do not lead to irreversible incompatibility between hardware and software, Tesla is likely to resolve potential issues through software updates, thereby not affecting the vehicle's upgrade path.
However, if the HW4 motherboard design changes introduce a completely new hardware architecture or interface standard, and Tesla's software system has not yet been fully adapted, then temporary compatibility issues may arise. For example, some vehicles may not be able to obtain new functions through OTA updates, or may require additional hardware installation to support new functions. In this case, the vehicle's upgrade path may be affected to some extent, and users may need to wait longer or take other measures to achieve the upgrade.
In conclusion, whether Tesla HW4's motherboard design changes affect vehicle compatibility or upgrade paths depends on the specific technical implementation and software adaptation. If the changes are relatively mild and Tesla can resolve compatibility issues through software updates, the impact may be minor; but if the changes are significant and software adaptation is not timely, it may affect the vehicle's upgrade path. Therefore, it is recommended to follow Tesla's official technical announcements and software update logs for the latest information.
Does Tesla HW4 running in "simulated HW3 mode" mean that HW5 will completely replace HW4 in the future?
This "simulation" function usually allows HW4 devices to temporarily run HW3 software or functions in specific situations (such as software updates or hardware compatibility tests), rather than indicating that HW5 will directly replace HW4.
From a technical development perspective, HW4, as the fourth generation of Tesla's custom computing platform, is designed to enhance the performance and safety of autonomous driving systems. If HW4 can simulate HW3 mode, it may mean that HW4 possesses similar capabilities to HW3 in some aspects, but it does not mean that HW5 will completely replace HW4. Instead, HW5 is likely an upgraded version of HW4, aiming to provide stronger computing capabilities, higher processing speeds, and more advanced functions to meet the future development needs of autonomous driving technology.
Therefore, HW4's "simulated HW3 mode" is more likely a transitional feature rather than a signal that HW5 will replace HW4. In the iterative process of autonomous driving hardware, Tesla usually gradually phases out older versions, but does not immediately replace them completely with new versions. The introduction of HW5 may further expand the use cases of HW4, but HW4 will continue to be used for a period, especially given the longer vehicle production cycle.
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