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Tesla Owner Upgrades Older Model 3 to HW4, Outsmarts Company

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Tesla Owner Upgrades Older Model 3 to HW4, Outsmarts Company
1 min read128 words

The Gist

A resourceful Tesla owner has successfully upgraded an older Model 3 to the newer HW4 computer and cameras, a feat that Tesla claimed would require extensive resources. This achievement highlights the owner's ingenuity and sheds light on Tesla's slow pace in offering retrofits for HW3-equipped cars.

A Tesla owner, Mike Gapinski, has made headlines by upgrading an older Model 3 to the latest HW4 computer and cameras, a task that Tesla had deemed complex and unlikely without significant investment. This upgrade not only showcases the owner's technical prowess but also underscores the community's desire for advanced features like Full Self-Driving capabilities.

Key Insights

The upgrade involved minimal parts, including the HW4 computer and repeater cameras, and required some light ECU hacking. Tesla had previously suggested that retrofitting HW3-equipped cars to HW4 standards would necessitate a series of micro factories, emphasizing the complexity and scale of such an undertaking. However, Gapinski's success demonstrates that with the right knowledge and resources, such upgrades are indeed feasible, potentially paving the way for other owners to follow suit.

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