Tesla has quietly initiated the rollout of its latest Autopilot hardware iteration—Hardware 4.5 (HW4.5). A newly manufactured Model Y from the Fremont factory, dated January 22, 2026, has been confirmed to carry the new AP45 designation.
As can be seen from the image, the label reads AP45, which most likely indicates a HW4.5 chip. Additionally, the housing of the new car's front camera has also changed.
This isn't just a minor tweak; it’s a strategic bridge between the current HW4.0 and the highly anticipated AI5 (Hardware 5) expected in late 2026.
🔥🔥 Tesla HW4.5 spotted in a freshly delivered Fremont-built Model Y!
— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) January 25, 2026
✅ Labeled “AP4.5”
✅ Same part number as the previously found Controller Hardware 4.5 in the parts catalog
✅ May be the 3-SoC design @greentheonly spotted in the software code
It looks like HW4.5 will… https://t.co/scoaDy0g8s pic.twitter.com/08XR9IfbRG
What’s New in HW4.5?
Early teardowns and sightings reveal several physical and internal upgrades that distinguish HW4.5 from its predecessors:
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Upgraded Front Camera Housing: The new housing is designed for superior clarity and enhanced sun protection, directly addressing "blindness" issues caused by direct glare.
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The 3-SoC Architecture: Unlike the dual-chip setup in HW3 and HW4, HW4.5 reportedly utilizes three Systems-on-a-Chip (SoC).
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Model Y Performance Integration: Confirmation has surfaced that the refreshed Model Y Performance (Juniper) built in North America is now shipping with HW4.5 as standard.
The Part Details
The component has already appeared in Tesla’s official Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC):
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Part Name: Car Computer - LHD - Configured - HW 4.5
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Part Number: 2261336-S2-A
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MSRP: $2,300.00
At $2,300, the pricing aligns with current FSD computers, suggesting this is a production-line evolution rather than a standalone retrofit kit for older vehicles.
Why Three Chips? The Power of Triple Redundancy
For years, Tesla relied on two chips for redundancy—if one failed, the other took over. Moving to a 3-SoC design changes the game for Full Self-Driving (FSD) in three major ways:
1. Superior Processing for FSD v14
As neural networks like FSD v14 grow in complexity, they demand massive memory and "throughput." By spreading the workload across three chips, Tesla can run larger, more sophisticated models without overheating the hardware or suffering from latency.
2. Triple Modular Redundancy (The "Voting" System)
In a dual-chip system, if the two chips disagree on an object, the car often triggers a safety disengagement. With three chips, Tesla can implement Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). If two chips see a clear path and one sees a ghost obstacle, the system "votes" to ignore the outlier, leading to a much smoother, more "human" driving experience.
3. Real-Time "Shadow Mode" Testing
The third chip allows Tesla to run the stable production software on two processors while using the third to run an experimental "Alpha" version in the background. This lets Tesla test the next generation of AI against real-world data without ever compromising the vehicle's safety.
The Bridge to AI5
With AI5 mass production not expected until 2027, HW4.5 acts as the essential "bridge." It ensures that Model Y units produced throughout 2026 aren't left behind by the rapidly expanding size of Tesla's neural networks.
For owners and enthusiasts, HW4.5 represents the most "future-proof" version of the Model Y currently available, offering a significant hardware buffer for the next era of autonomous driving.
Looking to upgrade your Tesla experience? Check out our latest collection of premium interior accessories and protective gear designed specifically for the refreshed Model Y.
