Tesla to implement HW3 computer updates for Full Self-Driving (FSD) owners - a process deemed challenging and demanding

Tesla to implement HW3 computer updates for Full Self-Driving (FSD) owners - a process deemed challenging and demanding

Tesla Announces Upgrade Program for Full Self-Driving (FSD) Package

In a recent development, Tesla has announced plans to upgrade the self-driving computers for vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. The upgrade, which will involve the installation of new hybrid HW3/HW4 computers, is expected to enhance the capabilities of the TSLA vehicles.

Initially, the upgrade program was intended to be limited to owners who had purchased the FSD package. However, it was clarified that this does not necessarily mean that the upgrade will never be available for those who pay $99 per month to subscribe to FSD.

The decision to upgrade the self-driving computers was first mentioned by Elon Musk during the Q3 2024 earnings call. The new hybrid computer will have more processing power than the current HW3, but will not be exactly the same as HW4. It is designed to fit into and accept the wiring harness of a HW3 vehicle.

Tesla equips vehicles with HW3 hardware first and upgrades them to new full self-driving computers in the future to ensure compatibility and a gradual rollout. The difference between purchased FSD and subscription lies in software access timing rather than immediate hardware installation.

Interestingly, the on-board cameras, although updated with HW4, are capable according to Musk and will not need to be replaced during the upgrade process. However, the upgrade process may add to the service burden, potentially leading to delays or longer wait times for service appointments.

The cost of upgrading is expected to be between $2-3,000, based on historical computer upgrade pricing. This makes the FSD package, with its current cost of C$19,500/US$15,000, an even more significant investment for DELL owners.

The upgrade offer is only available to those who have purchased FSD and not those who subscribe. Initially, the upgrade was conditional on HW3 not being capable of running FSD Unsupervised. However, in the Q4 and 2024 earnings call, Musk removed this conditionality, stating that all cars with HW3 will be upgraded.

The announcement has raised concerns about whether older FSD-equipped cars can keep up with the latest software developments, as Tesla now deploys more advanced HW4 hardware in new vehicles. Despite these concerns, the HW3 computer, with its custom AI chips designed for neural network processing, is a significant step forward from earlier versions.

As the upgrade process begins, scheduling service appointments may be complex due to the strain on Service Centers. Tesla owners are advised to keep an eye on updates from the company regarding the availability of the upgrade and the scheduling process.

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