- Tesla will replace the car free of charge hardware HW3 to HW4 on vehicles with purchased FSD.
- The update aims to ensure full compatibility with FSD 13, which does not work on HW3.
- Technical and logistical challenges complicate the mass upgrade process.
- Availability will be limited to owners with purchased FSD, excluding subscriptions.
Tesla has announced that it will cover the cost of upgrading the HW3 computers in its vehicles to the latest HW4 hardware , but only for owners who have purchased the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. This decision appears to be a response to performance limitations that prevent cars with HW3 from achieving the full autonomous driving the company promised.
HW3 Limitations with FSD
The HW3 hardware, which Tesla introduced in 2019 as a major upgrade over previous versions, has proven not to be powerful enough to support the demands of the latest Full Self-Driving versions, such as FSD 13. According to recent confirmations, owners with HW3 have only received minor updates, such as FSD V12.6, which do not reach the level of autonomy of V13 , available for vehicles with HW4.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted during an investor call that upgrading the hardware would be "painful and expensive" for the company, but necessary to ensure that owners of HW3 vehicles who purchased the FSD package can fully benefit from its capabilities. Musk emphasized, "We're going to have to upgrade the HW3 computers of people who have purchased the FSD, and that's the honest answer."
Technical and logistical obstacles
One of the biggest challenges Tesla faces is that the physical design of the HW4 hardware is incompatible with vehicles currently using HW3 . This means the company will have to develop adapted versions of the HW4 that fit the dimensions of older models without sacrificing performance or safety.
Furthermore, not all parts of the HW3 system can be easily integrated with HW4. Elements such as cameras and sensors would require additional modifications, making the upgrade even more complicated. On top of that, managing the logistics of replacing computers in hundreds of thousands of units in circulation will put significant pressure on Tesla’s service centers, with wait times that could extend to several months.
Updates limited to FSD buyers
Another important point is that the free upgrade will only be available to owners who purchased the full FSD package . This excludes those who subscribe to FSD on a monthly basis, which has drawn criticism in forums and user communities. According to Tesla, this policy aims to limit associated costs and focus on those who made a more significant initial investment.
The Full Self-Driving Package (FSD) has come at a significant cost to buyers: in the United States it reaches $15.000 (around €13.800) , while in Spain it costs approximately €7.800. Therefore, many consider the upgrade a moral obligation on Tesla's part, given that the promise of full autonomy was key to justifying the package's high price.
Legal and commercial implications
This isn't the first time Tesla has faced hardware-related issues. In the past, the company has had to upgrade HW2.5 computers to HW3 to ensure FSD compatibility, leading to lawsuits from customers demanding upgrades at no additional cost. In at least one case, a court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, setting a precedent that may now influence how Tesla handles HW3-HW4 upgrades.
In addition to the legal challenges, this situation could affect the brand's perception among its most loyal users. Tesla vehicle owners who have not purchased the full FSD could feel excluded, which could reduce brand loyalty and affect future sales.
Future outlook
As Tesla moves forward with the implementation of its HW4 hardware, it becomes clear that the brand faces a considerable challenge: balancing customer expectations with technical and economic constraints . The upgrade has the potential to ensure better performance for older vehicles and strengthen confidence in the company's long-term vision.
However, the massive upgrade could be delayed due to limited repair centres and a lack of parts tailored for older models. The promise that all Tesla vehicles built since 2016 could achieve full self-driving remains unfulfilled, putting even more pressure on the company.
With crucial decisions on the horizon, Tesla finds itself in a position where balancing innovation, past promises and customer satisfaction will be vital to maintaining its position as a leader in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry.
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