In early 2023, Tesla introduced FSD Hardware 4.0—now referred to as AI4—which is an upgraded version of Hardware 3, offering several advantages. Although FSD and Autopilot were not initially enabled on newly delivered vehicles at the time of launch, AI4 now represents Tesla's next step towards full self-driving capabilities.
It’s crucial to know which hardware your vehicle is equipped with, especially for those who have paid for or subscribed to FSD, as AI4 is expected to receive significant FSD updates more quickly than Hardware 3. Here are some ways to determine whether your vehicle is equipped with Hardware 3 or Hardware 4/AI4.
Improvements with HW4/AI4
AI4 introduces several notable enhancements, including new cameras, an upgraded electrical and wiring system, and most importantly, enhanced processing power. The new cameras boast higher resolution, with the rear camera resolution increasing from 1280x960 in Hardware 3 to 1448x938 in AI4, and the front camera resolution significantly improving from 1280x960 to 2896x1876. Additionally, the red optical characteristics of the AI4 cameras help achieve better performance in low-light conditions.
Elon Musk previously mentioned that HW4’s processing speed is 3 to 5 times faster than that of Hardware 3. Although this computing power has yet to be fully utilized, it's expected that HW4's full potential will be unleashed later this year.
How to Determine Whether Your Vehicle Has Hardware 3 or Hardware 4/AI4
There are a few simple ways to determine whether your vehicle is equipped with Hardware 3 or AI4. Unfortunately, Tesla does not provide any information in the app or the vehicle itself to indicate which FSD hardware you have, so here are some methods to distinguish between them.
1. Review the Vehicle's Production Date
One of the simplest indicators is your Tesla's production date. Tesla began introducing Hardware 4 in mid-2023, starting with the Model S and Model X. If your vehicle was manufactured after this period, especially if it's a Model S or Model X, it's likely equipped with Hardware 4. For Model 3 and Model Y, Hardware 4 is expected to be rolled out in batches, so later production dates increase the likelihood of having the latest hardware. If you own a 2024 Model 3, it's equipped with HW4, whereas 2017-2023 Model 3 are equipped with Hardware 3.
How to check: You can find the production date on the label inside the driver's door or in the Tesla app under “Vehicle Details.”
2. Red Camera Lenses
If you're unsure about your vehicle's delivery date or want to confirm the hardware version, take a look at the vehicle itself. The cameras on HW4/AI4 have red lenses, which are most easily recognized on the front cameras. HW4 features two red lenses and one black (dummy) lens at the front. AI4, on the other hand, has removed the third front camera, as the new cameras offer higher resolution.
Side camera comparison between Hardware 4 (top) and Hardware 3 (bottom)
The side turn signal cameras are also slightly different, featuring the same red optical characteristics, but with smaller, narrower turn signal indicators.
3. Examine the Vehicle Information on the Touchscreen
Your Tesla's infotainment system provides detailed information about the hardware installed in your vehicle.
Steps:
- Navigate to the “Controls” menu.
- Select “Software” from the list.
- Look for a section labeled “Additional Vehicle Information” or something similar. Here, it should display your vehicle's hardware version, such as "HW3" or "HW4".
Key Tip:
- If the touchscreen displays "Full Self-Driving Computer" or "Hardware 4" under this section, your vehicle is equipped with the latest hardware.
4. Use a Diagnostic OBD Tool
For those who are technically inclined, an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) tool can be used to pull detailed data from your vehicle’s computer. By connecting to the OBD port, usually located near the driver’s side footwell, you can access specific information about your car’s hardware components.
Recommended steps:
- Use an OBD scanner compatible with Tesla models.
- Connect it to your vehicle and use a third-party app to interpret the data.
- Look for entries that specify the hardware version, typically labeled as "HW3," "HW4," or "FSD Computer."
Note: Not all OBD tools will provide this level of detail, so make sure to use one designed with Tesla’s systems in mind.
Upgrade to Hardware 4 is not supported
Elon Musk and Tesla have confirmed that, unlike with AP 2.5 or AP 2, Tesla has no plans to offer HW4 upgrades for older vehicles. The AI4 computing unit, in particular, utilizes a completely new wiring harness and cooling system, making it impractical to upgrade HW3 vehicles to AI4. Such a retrofit would be a complex and costly endeavor, likely requiring custom solutions tailored specifically for HW3 vehicles. Instead, Tesla will continue to optimize and update the FSD software to ensure that Hardware 3 delivers the best possible driving experience for users.
