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Tesla's Hardware 4 is Here--But You Can't Upgrade Your Current Tesla!

Updated: Mar 1

New Teslas with Hardware 4 and 11 higher resolution cameras have been spotted in the wild in the past couple of days! Tesla recently announced its latest autonomous driving hardware, Hardware 4, which includes a new TRIP (Tesla Reconfigurable Integrated Processor) core and an additional three cameras, bringing the total number of cameras to 11, compared to the 8 on the previous generation, Hardware 3. While the hardware upgrade promises improved performance and safety features, it comes with a significant caveat: it will not be backward compatible, meaning that those with Hardware 3 will not be able to upgrade to the new system.


A Brand New Tesla Model X, sporting the new Hardware 4 configuration

The TRIP core is a custom chip designed specifically for autonomous driving and is responsible for processing the data captured by the cameras

The addition of the extra TRIP core and cameras are significant improvements to the autonomous driving technology of Tesla. The TRIP core is a custom chip designed specifically for autonomous driving and is responsible for processing the data captured by the cameras and sensors. The new hardware features a second TRIP core per System-on-a-Chip (SOC), which promises to improve the processing speed and accuracy of the system.


Green the Only shows off the new Hardware 4 case

the three additional cameras provide the car's computer with a more comprehensive view of the environment, increasing the accuracy of the car's object detection and path planning

In addition, the three additional cameras provide the car's computer with a more comprehensive view of the environment, increasing the accuracy of the car's object detection and path planning. The additional cameras also provide a higher level of redundancy, increasing the system's safety and reliability.


The new Tesla Hardware 4 Motherboard with 2 SOCs

The upgrade from Hardware 3 to Hardware 4 is a significant improvement in Tesla's autonomous driving technology. The increased processing power and additional cameras promise to provide a safer and more reliable driving experience. However, the inability to upgrade from Hardware 3 to Hardware 4 is a significant drawback for Tesla owners. It means that those who purchased their cars with Hardware 3 will not be able to take advantage of the new features and capabilities of Hardware 4. This is particularly frustrating for those who purchased their vehicles recently and were not aware that a new hardware upgrade was on the horizon.


The inability to upgrade to the latest technology can also impact the resale value of their vehicles.

The decision to make the new hardware upgrade non-backward compatible is not uncommon in the tech industry. However, it can be frustrating for consumers who invested in the previous generation and are now left with an outdated product. The inability to upgrade to the latest technology can also impact the resale value of their vehicles.


Hardware 3 vs Hardware 4, showing the fundamental incompatibility between the two

While the new Hardware 4 is a significant improvement in Tesla's autonomous driving technology, the decision not to make it backward compatible may leave some customers disappointed. The increased processing power and additional cameras promise to provide a safer and more reliable driving experience, but those who purchased their vehicles with Hardware 3 will not be able to take advantage of these new features. Ultimately, it is up to each consumer to weigh the benefits of upgrading to Hardware 4 against the cost of replacing their existing hardware.


--John Gibbs, Co-Founder and CEO, Artimatic
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