Expected for this summer, the Tesla Cybertruck will be the brand’s first model to be equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4), a brand new version of on-board hardware. If the improvements have not yet been detailed, there is a very good chance that they will relate in particular to the Autopilot, which could become more efficient.
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The Tesla Cybertruck has been long overdue for many years now, with its official reveal dating back to 2019 already. But since then, apart from a few prototypes seen on the roads, no trace of the electric pickup. Until last July, when Elon Musk finally announced a launch date, for the summer of 2023. Information confirmed again a few days ago, during the presentation of the results for the 4th quarter.
A new processor for autonomous driving
Nevertheless, and as Elon Musk pointed out, this will not have a strong impact on the sales figures for the current year, while production will be very limited in 2023 and it will be necessary to wait until 2024 to that it is actually accelerating. Especially since the Cybertruck arrives a little late against its rivals, the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and other Chevrolet Silverado EVs.
But the company, based in Texas should in particular bet on the technological endowment of its newcomer to find a place in this increasingly competitive market. Indeed, during his conference with his investors, Elon Musk gave new information about his Cybertruck, relayed by the American site InsideEVs. The latter then officially announces that “the Cybertruck will be equipped with Hardware 4“.
Tesla Cybertruck // Source : Tesla
If this doesn’t mean much to you, that’s perfectly normal. And yet, this system is of capital importance, since it is he who is in charge of the operation of the autonomous driving system FSD and the Autopilot. Currently, the vehicles marketed by the brand, namely the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X are equipped with Hardware 3, unveiled in 2019. The latter can also be installed on vehicles equipped with the previous version 2.5.
This then succeeds the system designed by the company Nvidia. Compared to version 2, version 3 (also known as Full Self-Driving Computer 1) adds various features, such as taking into account garbage cans, traffic cones, as well as traffic lights. A function that was not yet offered in 2016, the year in which the controversial video was unveiled showing the brand’s autonomous driving capabilities. Hardware 3 is required to take advantage of FSD (Full Self-Driving) in North America. Previous versions are not powerful enough for this evolution of autonomous driving.
An even more efficient system
For now, no information has yet been officially revealed on the additional features provided by Hardware 4, which will therefore be inaugurated by the Tesla Cybertruck. But according to the first rumors, it should offer a power three times higher than that of the current version. Of course, it should also allow the electric pickup to enjoy safer autonomous driving thanks to new functions.
In any case, this is what the compte twitter Green, which explains that Hardware 4 appeared in the FSD Beta 10.11 update code. According to the Internet user, this new version would therefore not be satisfied with being faster and more reactive.
HW4 made an official appearance in the production code with FSDBeta 10.11
While rumors were it would be very similar to hw3 just more/faster RAM, in fact the differences appear to more than that.
Exact details remain somewhat nebulous, but official launch is likely pretty soon.— green (@greentheonly) March 15, 2022
As we mentioned in a previous article, Hardware 4 will go hand in hand with the removal of a front camera, which will then be only two in number, compared to three so far. The resolution of the remaining ones would nevertheless be improved, while a fan will be installed just behind. Note that Tesla is considering a return to radar to ensure autonomous driving on its cars, with a millimeter system, more efficient than conventional radar.
You will probably have to wait until March 1, the date of Investor Day, during which Elon Musk will undoubtedly give more details. It could then be that the next restyled Model 3 will also be equipped with this system, as well as the future Tesla Model 2. On the other hand, cars equipped with version 3 will not be able to be upgraded as the boss explained. of the brand, relayed by Electrek. But according to him, the Hardware 3 should already exceed human capabilities in terms of autonomous driving.
It remains to be seen whether only the American market, where the FSD is currently in beta test, will be affected by this update or whether the cars sold here will also be affected, even if this system resembling level 3 driving is not not yet offered in the territory, although it has been legal since this summer. For the time being, only Mercedes lets its customers drive hands-free and without road supervision, on its EQS and S-Class.
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