Curious if your Tesla is equipped with the latest and greatest Hardware 4 (HW4)? You're not alone! Many Tesla owners are eager to know which hardware version powers their vehicle, especially with the ongoing advancements in Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. HW4 is a significant leap forward, offering enhanced processing power and improved camera systems. Let's dive into how you can determine if your Tesla is running on HW4.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Software
The easiest and most reliable way to check your Tesla's hardware version is directly through its infotainment system. It's like asking your car, "Hey, what brain do you have?" and it'll tell you!
Sub-heading: Navigating the On-Screen Menus
Hop into your Tesla and power it on.
On the large center touchscreen, look for the car icon (usually located in the bottom left corner) and tap it. This will open your car's main "Controls" menu.
From the Controls menu, navigate to the "Software" tab. This section provides information about your vehicle's current software version, maps, and often, its hardware configuration.
Within the Software section, you'll need to look for a link or button labeled "Additional Vehicle Information" or something similar. This is where the magic happens!
Once you tap on "Additional Vehicle Information," a new screen will appear. Look for an entry that specifies your "Autopilot Computer" or "Full Self-Driving Computer." Here, you should see either "HW3," "HW4," or "AI4" displayed.
If it says "HW4" or "AI4", congratulations! Your Tesla is equipped with the latest hardware.
If it says "HW3" (or an older version like HW2.5), your car is running on the previous generation of hardware.
Step 2: A Visual Inspection of Your Cameras
While the software check is definitive, there are also some visual cues on newer Teslas that can suggest the presence of HW4, particularly related to the cameras. These external differences are a result of the upgraded camera system in HW4.
Sub-heading: Examining the Side Repeater Cameras
HW4 cameras often have a noticeable reddish tint or reflection to their lenses. This is due to a special coating designed to improve color rendition, especially in low-light conditions.
Compare this to HW3 cameras, which typically have a standard, non-tinted lens appearance.
You might also notice that the indicator strip (the amber turn signal light) on the side repeater is slightly shorter on HW4 vehicles compared to HW3.
Sub-heading: Scrutinizing the Forward-Facing Cameras
For some HW4 models, particularly newer ones like the Model 3 Highland (2024+) and certain 2024+ Model Ys (Juniper), the front camera setup has been revised.
HW4 front cameras may appear to have higher resolution and, in some cases, a different form factor or a reconfigured setup (e.g., two primary lenses with a dummy lens, or a consolidated two-camera arrangement depending on the specific model and production changes).
Keep an eye out for the same reddish tint on the front camera lenses as well.
Step 3: Understanding Production Dates
Tesla progressively rolled out HW4, starting with certain models at specific times. Knowing your car's production date can give you a strong indication, though it's not a guarantee without the software or visual checks.
Sub-heading: General HW4 Rollout Timeline
Model S and Model X: HW4 began appearing in refreshed Model S and Model X vehicles towards the end of 2022 and early 2023. For North American markets, this was generally from January 2023 onwards.
Model Y: HW4 was introduced to the Model Y in some countries later in 2023. New Model Ys (Juniper) and some 2024 Model Ys are equipped with HW4.
Model 3: The significant shift to HW4 for the Model 3 happened with the introduction of the Model 3 Highland (2024 onwards). Original Model 3s (2018-2024) are generally HW3.
It's important to remember that Tesla's production lines and hardware implementations can vary by region and specific production batches, so while these dates are a good guideline, they are not absolute.
Step 4: The Phoenix Radar & Other Subtleties (Less Common but Informative)
While primarily a software-driven company, Tesla has experimented with and reintroduced certain hardware elements. HW4 is rumored to or does include a new, high-definition radar, often referred to as "Phoenix radar." However, this is not something you'd typically visually confirm as an owner, and its full integration and utilization can evolve with software updates.
Sub-heading: Internal Architectural Changes
HW4 brings more than just camera upgrades. It features:
A significantly more powerful Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer, estimated to be 3-5 times faster than HW3. This translates to more complex computations for autonomous driving and improved object detection.
Upgraded processors, with a higher CPU core count and improved neural network accelerators.
A different electrical system (operating at 16V compared to HW3's 12V), which affects how power is delivered and managed within the vehicle.
These internal changes reinforce the fact that HW4 is a comprehensive hardware overhaul, not just a minor tweak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check My Tesla's Hardware Version in the Software Menu?
Go to the car icon on your touchscreen > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Look for "Autopilot Computer" or "Full Self-Driving Computer" to see "HW3" or "HW4."
How to Visually Identify HW4 Cameras?
Look for a reddish tint or reflection on the camera lenses, particularly on the side repeaters and front cameras. HW4 side repeaters may also have a shorter indicator strip.
How to Know if My Tesla Model 3 Has HW4?
If you have a 2024 Model 3 (Highland refresh), it almost certainly has HW4. Older Model 3s (2018-2023) will have HW3.
How to Know if My Tesla Model Y Has HW4?
New Model Ys (Juniper) and some 2024 Model Ys have HW4. Check your vehicle's production date and the camera visuals.
How to Tell if My Tesla Model S or X Has HW4?
Refreshed Model S and Model X vehicles produced from late 2022/early 2023 onwards are likely equipped with HW4.
How to Upgrade My Tesla from HW3 to HW4?
Currently, Tesla does not offer upgrades from HW3 to HW4 due to the significant architectural changes, including a new wiring harness and cooling system.
How to Benefit from HW4 in My Tesla?
HW4 provides a more powerful platform for future FSD advancements, sharper object detection, better low-light camera performance, and potentially enhanced safety features.
How to Check if My Tesla Has the Phoenix Radar?
While HW4 supports this new radar, it's not visually confirmable by owners. Its presence and full functionality are integrated through software with HW4 vehicles.
How to Understand the Naming Conventions for Tesla Hardware?
Tesla's hardware is commonly referred to as HW3, HW4, etc. Internally, Tesla might use terms like AP3, AP4, or AI3, AI4, with AI4 being synonymous with HW4.
How to Determine My Tesla's Production Date?
You can find your Tesla's production date on the vehicle's certification label, typically located on the driver's side door jamb, or in your Tesla account online.
