Tesla FSD Hardware 4.0 Approved in Europe for New Model S and X

European document reveals that Tesla is adding hardware 4.0 to the Model S and Model X

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Tesla's highly anticipated FSD hardware 4, also known as HW4, will be installed in new vehicles any day. The company received European approval to sell its latest FSD hardware in the Model S and Model X vehicles.

The timeline for deployment of the new computer that operates the most technologically advanced vehicle in the world has been a mystery. There was some speculation that Tesla may hold off launching the highly advanced system until Cybertruck's release. However, only a limited number of Cybertrucks are expected this year, with full production starting in 2024.

Several Changes Incoming

Several other changes are being made to Teslas according to the European Certificate, issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW, dated January 20, 2023. The maximum speed for the Model S is increasing to 174 MPH (280 km/h) from the factory. But owners can tack on even more speed with the optional Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit, which will boost the car to the previously mentioned 200 MPH (322 km/h). It sounds like the Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit option may soon become available.

Hardware 4.0

Unfortunately, the European certificate doesn't reveal any details on what is included in Tesla's 4th generation Autopilot hardware. The system is expected to use 5-megapixel cameras, which will give Autopilot a substantial advantage in determining objects that are further away. The new hardware will also include a new FSD computer which is expected to be about 4x more powerful than the FSD computer in hardware 3 today. Additionally, HW4 is expected to include an HD radar, which could significantly improve FSD. In the same line item as the new FSD computer, Tesla also mentions a new GNSS antenna that is used for GPS. However, GNSS antennas also provide support for other systems such as GLONASS, Baidu, and Galileo.

Other Changes to the Model S and Model X

Other approved European updates are new Gen3 inverters and changes to the automatic headlights. In addition, the Model X will have a unified braking system and a new stay arm for the interior rear-view mirror. Finally, the cosmetic changes that rolled out in North America last month will also be implemented in Europe with the rear badging.

Retrofits will not be Offered by Tesla

It is yet to be known when the new hardware will debut, but Tesla will not retrofit the existing fleet. During the fourth quarter earnings call, Elon Musk said that the "cost and difficulty of retrofitting hardware 3 with hardware 4 is quite significant. So, it would not be, I think, economically feasible to do so."

This could be due to the new HD radar, new power, or space requirements for the new computer or radar, or due to complexities with wiring harnesses. It would also put a huge burden on Tesla Service, which would have to upgrade millions of vehicles. There could also be more to hardware 4.0 that has not been disclosed.

Model 3 and Model Y

It's not surprising that Tesla has decided to introduce hardware 4.0 to the Model S and Model X first. These are lower-volume vehicles and it makes sense for them to slowly roll out these changes. Parts may still be limited or Tesla may want to reduce the cost of a recall if there are any issues with the new hardware. We know the upcoming Cybertruck will also use hardware 4.0, but that still leaves the Model 3 and Model Y out. However, we speculate that Tesla will try to get the Model 3 and Y updated as soon as possible. Once the word is out that the Model S and Model X vehicles include hardware 4.0, many owners may prefer to wait before ordering or taking delivery of a Model 3 or Model Y.

We will likely find out more about FSD hardware 4.0 very soon as these vehicles start being delivered to customers.

Tesla and Uber Partner for Another Discount Off New Vehicles

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Tesla and Uber are partnering to offer a new discount for Uber drivers. The offer is similar to one that was offered earlier in the year. Uber and Tesla previously offered a $2,000 USD purchase incentive under a special Uber referral code. That offer ended in March, and Tesla is now offering a new, similar offer.

Both the previous incentive as well as this new offer are only available in the United States.

Offer Conditions

The new offer is simple: If you’re an Uber Driver, you’ll be able to get $1,000 in Tesla credits upon taking delivery and another $1,000 in Uber Cash after completing 100 rideshare trips. You’ll need to purchase either a new Model 3 or Model Y—any variant, including the Performance versions, is acceptable. The program is not available for used or demo vehicles.

For anyone interested in trying out being an Uber driver, this is also a nice way to get $2,000 off a new Tesla. While the discount is no longer a purchase incentive, you can use the $1,000 in Tesla credits towards accessories, service, Supercharging, swag, or another vehicle. The Uber Cash, on the other hand, will be paid out alongside your 100th trip.

The offer is combinable with the Military Purchase Program, but you can’t use the Tesla referral program to get $500 off. If you’ve already got referral credits, though, you can use them toward the purchase of the vehicle.

Finally, you’ll need to take delivery before the end of the year (December 31st) and complete your 100th trip before February 15, 2025.

How to Use It

To take advantage of the offer, go to Tesla’s Uber page and log in via Uber. Both companies will verify that you’re eligible for the discount. You’ll also have to be in good standing as an Uber driver - if you’re not, no discount.

It's interesting to see Tesla and Uber partner so closely, given that Tesla’s Robotaxi service will become a direct competitor to Uber. Tesla also recently launched the Trip Navigation and Battery Awareness feature for Uber drivers.

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Tesla Updates Cybertruck Range Extender Timeline and Specs

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Tesla has released updated specifications and a revised timeline for the Cybertruck’s Range Extender. Originally launched alongside the Cybertruck last year, the Range Extender offered a significant boost in range along with a notable price tag—requiring a $2,000 reservation deposit and an estimated price of $16,000.

Updated Specs

Tesla has updated the Ranger Extender's range, now increasing the vehicle’s range from 340 miles to 445 miles on the Dual Motor variant and from 320 miles to 440 miles on the Cyberbeast.

The updated specifications reduce the vehicle’s total range with the Range Extender by about 6% compared to the original specs, while the Range Extender itself sees a 20% reduction in range. This is a substantial reduction, and Tesla has yet to explain the change. It’s likely that they’ve started testing Cybertrucks with Range Extenders under EPA test conditions, which may have adjusted the initial range estimates.

Delayed Timeline

The Range Extender was originally supposed to be available for those who pre-ordered sometime in early-2025. That timeline has now been pushed back to mid-2025. However, given Tesla’s lackluster attempts at maintaining timelines, we could fully expect this timeline to continue to slip closer to 2026, but we remain hopeful that it’ll arrive on time.

Tesla has been working towards perfecting its dry-cathode process, which could also be a likely cause of the delays. Tesla may want to ship the Range Extenders as dry-cathode—it's a small batch product and one that’s easier to replace or repair than an entire truck.

Overall, the Range Extender itself is an interesting item. While it does provide a small range increase—one that’s necessary for towing—it has its fair share of demerits. It takes up a considerable amount of bed space and must be installed and uninstalled by Tesla Service. Additionally, the weight in the bed will result in a change in the center of gravity.

We’re interested to see what Tesla does with the Range Extender - we’ve only seen a few pictures of engineering samples on Tesla’s site, but it could come with considerable changes when it launches.

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