Which Teslas Have HW4? Full Model and Year Breakdown
3 min readBy the FSDClarity team
Teslas with HW4 (also called AI4): every Model 3 from the 2024 refresh onward, US-built Model Ys from about May 2023, Model S and Model X from early 2023, and every Cybertruck. Earlier cars have HW3. In 2023, the Model S, Model X and Model Y switched partway through the year, so a 2023 car can have either — check the car itself.
HW4 cutover dates by model
| Model | Last HW3 | First HW4 |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | 2023 model year | 2024 refresh |
| Model Y (US-built) | Early 2023 | About May 2023 |
| Model S | Early 2023 | Early 2023 |
| Model X | Early 2023 | Early 2023 |
| Cybertruck | — | All, from launch |
Factories outside the US switched at slightly different times, which is one more reason to confirm on the car.
Model 3
Every Model 3 built before the refreshed 2024 model has HW3 — including all 2023 cars. The refreshed Model 3, which arrived in the US in early 2024, has HW4. If a listing calls a 2023 Model 3 "HW4," it's wrong.
Model Y
US-built Model Ys switched to HW4 around May 2023. That makes the 2023 model year the one to check carefully: early-2023 cars have HW3, later ones HW4. Every 2024 and newer Model Y has HW4.
Model S and Model X
The Model S and Model X switched to HW4 in early 2023. Most 2023 cars have it; the earliest 2023 builds may still have HW3. Every 2024+ Model S and Model X has HW4.
Cybertruck
Every Cybertruck has HW4, from the first deliveries in late 2023.
HW4.5 and AI5
Tesla has talked about an intermediate board and its next-generation AI5 computer, with volume production pointed at around 2027 and AI5 initially prioritized for other projects. No customer Tesla has AI5 as of late 2026, so any listing claiming "HW5" or "AI5" on a current car is mistaken.
How to check any car
- Touchscreen: Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information lists AI3 (HW3) or AI4 (HW4).
- Front cameras: HW4 cameras behind the windshield have red-tinted lenses; HW3 cameras look black.
- Build date: the label in the driver's door jamb shows the month and year of manufacture.
Why it matters
HW4 cars get new FSD versions first, are Tesla's target for unsupervised FSD, and qualify for Lemonade's FSD insurance discount. For the full comparison, see Tesla HW3 vs HW4.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2023 Model Y have HW4?
Some do. US-built Model Ys switched around May 2023, so check the car.
Does the 2023 Model 3 have HW4?
No. HW4 came with the refreshed 2024 Model 3.
Do all 2024 Teslas have HW4?
Yes — every 2024 Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X and Cybertruck.
What is HW4 in a Tesla?
Tesla's fourth-generation self-driving computer and camera set, also called AI4, with more computing power and higher-resolution cameras than HW3.
The bottom line
If it's a 2024 or newer Tesla, it has HW4; if it's a 2023 Model S, X or Y, check the car; and every Model 3 before 2024 has HW3. Confirm any specific car with the Tesla Hardware Checker.
Related guides
- FSD & hardware
Can You Upgrade Tesla HW3 to HW4? Cost and Current Status
Not today, at any price. What Tesla promised HW3 owners who bought FSD, why a retrofit is hard, where AI5 fits, and when a HW4 car makes more sense.
4 min read
- FSD & hardware
Tesla Autopilot vs FSD: What You Actually Get for the Money
New Teslas include only Traffic-Aware Cruise Control; FSD (Supervised) adds lane keeping, highway and city driving for $99 a month. Full comparison.
5 min read
- FSD & hardware
How to Tell If Your Tesla Has FSD (And How to Turn It On)
Check in 30 seconds: Controls > Software shows purchased FSD, the app shows subscriptions. Purchased vs subscribed vs trial, and how to switch it on.
4 min read