Tesla HW4 is around the corner, but no retrofitting is possible

Tesla has been getting ready to launch the next generation of hardware in its vehicles, including various upgrades to the camera system and bringing radar back into the mix. These enhancements are focused on improving the future of FSD capability and inching vehicles closer to the real thing (actual full self-driving).

The new hardware is referred to as HW4 (or hardware 4.0) and will be rolling out with the 2023 models. Something that could happen as soon as this month (which is nearly over) or next.

Of course, with this news comes the concerns from owners of previous models. Mostly wondering if they will lose any future FSD functionality despite being told their hardware was capable of true FSD, and if they will be able to upgrade (retrofit) their hardware to the new HW4. Both of these concerns being quite valid and the answer is likely not the one they were hoping for.

During the company’s Q4 financials conference Q&A sessions, Elon Musk (Tesla CEO) explained that any retrofits wouldn’t be possible. That the cost and difficulty of retrofitting HW3 to HW4 would be significant. Meaning that the company has no intention (or the ability) to perform such upgrades/retrofits.

This is bad news for owners of the previous hardware package if having HW3 means they won’t be able to take proper advantage (or any use of at all when it rolls out) of FSD when it eventually comes out of beta with full capabilities. There is also a lot of speculation surrounding contracts and promises surrounding the previous hardware which could possibly lead to further legal action if such a path is taken by customers (and you can bet everything that they will if necessary).

Hopefully, for both sides, both hardware packages will be capable of getting the job done in order to avoid the angry mob that could pursue if not. There have simply been far too many promises made both in and out of contracts/agreements for the company not to properly deliver on FSD. It seems the noose has been tightening from all sides and something has to come from it sooner than later.

Feel free to share your own thoughts on the matter below in the comment section.