Tesla’s {Hardware} 4 EVs Have An Unused Ahead Digicam Slot, However Why?

Tesla just lately up to date its service manuals, which it offers without spending a dime to anybody who desires to view them. The updates had been particular to the Mannequin S and Mannequin X, and one portion of the handbook reveals that Tesla’s new {Hardware} 4 consists of an unused digicam slot within the forward-facing digicam meeting.

The up to date Mannequin S and Mannequin X service manuals now have references to Tesla’s new {Hardware} 4 (HW4). The automaker shared that HW4 has two forward-facing cameras somewhat than the three cameras which are at present in {Hardware} 3 automobiles. Nevertheless, it additionally notes that the “bi-camera meeting has cutouts for 3 digicam lens assemblies,” although one of many assemblies has a “dummy digicam.”

There are nonetheless many unknowns relating to Tesla’s HW4, and a few of it may additionally nonetheless be a piece in progress, because the automaker has been recognized to make modifications on the fly. The brand new {hardware} system was presupposed to formally debut later this yr within the Tesla Cybertruck, and a few of us speculated it might even be part of the upcoming Mannequin 3 Mission Highland refresh.

That stated, HW4 is already popping up in some new Teslas, and other people have observed an additional digicam, however a more in-depth look proves it isn’t truly an actual digicam. There has additionally been dialogue on social media and in numerous associated boards concerning the firm bringing again some sort of radar or different sensors, although nothing has been formally confirmed.

At any charge, the up to date service manuals have a bit associated to cleansing the windshield, and it revealed the “dummy digicam.” Tesla’s HW3 EVs have what’s known as a “Tri-Foward Going through Digicam,” somewhat than HW4’s “bi-camera meeting.” To be clear, present fashions use three forward-facing cameras and HW4 fashions could have two, although there is a spot for a 3rd digicam that is not populated with the {hardware}.

Teslarati notes that Tesla’s self-driving pc required three cameras prior to now, however because of HW4’s higher-resolution gear, there will not be a necessity for all three. The publication writes that HW3 cameras have a decision of 1.2 megapixels as in comparison with HW4’s 5-megapixel models.

So, is the third slot merely unfilled as a result of it is not wanted? Or, is Tesla aiming to additional future-proof its {hardware} setup in order that it may well add one other digicam later if wanted? Maybe some future fashions would require the third digicam for one cause or one other, such that eliminating the slot could be expensive and it would later have to be restored.

This matter deserves a dialog, and we’re wanting to know what you assume. Go away us your tackle this within the remark part under.