Tesla Hardware 4.5 Revealed: How to Check If Your New Tesla Has It
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! We've got an exciting update straight from the Tesla world: Hardware 4.5 (HW4.5) is now rolling out in vehicles. If you took delivery of your Tesla in November, December, or even January, this could be in your car—especially if it's a Model Y Performance. Don't worry if you're unsure; I'll show you exactly how to check. Let's dive in!
What is Hardware 4.5?
First spotted in Tesla's EPC (parts catalog) about a week ago, HW4.5 is listed as the "Car Computer" within the Tesla U system. It's priced at $2,300 if you're thinking of a self-upgrade (though I'd recommend letting Tesla handle that). Here's what we know:
- Labeled as AP45.
- Comes with an upgraded housing for the front camera.
- No major changes spotted in cameras or other hardware yet.
- Tesla hacker "green" mentioned a possible three SOC design in the software code.
It might just be a relabeling or an interim step, but it's intriguing. Check out these pics from the EPC:
(Insert images of HW4.5 computer and front camera housing here)
How to Check If Your Tesla Has HW4.5 (No Tools Needed!)
Super easy—props to E for sharing this method:
- Locate the upper carpet liner below the glove box (it houses lights and vents).
- It's held by a push clip toward the door and two magnets.
- Gently pull it down—be careful not to yank too quickly to the left where the speaker line connects.
- Look for the AP45 label on the computer.
If you snagged a Model Y Performance recently, odds are you've got it. Recent Model Y Juniper refreshes might too. Share your findings in the comments!
A Quick History of Tesla Hardware
Tesla's Autopilot hardware evolution has been wild:
- Started with HW1, HW2, HW2.5 (what I had in my first Tesla).
- Hyped HW3 upgrade.
- Skipped to HW4...
- Now HW4.5? Was there a secret HW3.5? Who knows!
This feels like a bridge to HW5, which Elon Musk says is next—and the final major upgrade. Unsupervised FSD is coming to HW4 vehicles too. Version 14 or later might bring big leaps.
Is It a Big Deal?
John E called it a "significant change" to bridge HW4 to the next gen, but details are scarce. It could be a "nothing burger" or a game-changer. Tesla's rapid iteration means timing your purchase is impossible—it just keeps getting better!
Before You Buy: Essential Resources
Planning a Tesla delivery? Grab my Tesla Delivery Checklist—low/high priority items and what to do if something's off. Get it here and support the channel!
New Teslas don't come with great floor mats. My top pick: 3W Liners. Tried 'em all (3D Maxpider, Tesmanian, Amazon)—these win for Model 3, Y, X, and Cybertruck. Use promo code DENNISCW for 25% off (under $100)! Shop now.
What do you think about HW4.5? Got it in your Tesla? Drop a comment below, like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more updates. Thanks for watching—drive safe!
-DennisCW
