Tesla Model 3 HW4 front camera retrofit is finally a go for parking and FSD 14 duties

Tesla will be releasing its FSD 14 version in Q4 with 10x the parameters of the current FSD 13 edition and a lot less nagging of the driver.

It is also finally equipping or retrofitting the Model 3 with a front bumper camera, it seems, at least according to the Chinese MIIT regulatory body that certifies design changes in electronic devices and electric vehicles.

The new changes that Tesla has filed concern the TSL7000BEVAR7 entry in the MIIT database, which marks the newest Model 3 Highland refresh that was introduced to the market back in 2023. Leaked prototypes of the 2024 Model 3 refresh had a HW4 front bumper camera installed and Tesla even posted teaser promos of the Highland facelift with the hardware upgrade on its official website prior to the launch.

When the Model 3 refresh was released, however, the front bumper camera wasn't there, much to the chagrin of future owners who lamented that this makes parking or autoparking much harder. Since then, Tesla has upgraded all of its other vehicles, such as the Model Y Juniper facelift, the Cybertruck, and the new Model S or Model X refresh editions with front bumper camera.

This left the Model 3 the only modern Tesla car without the much needed HW4 upgrade. That is unfortunate as it serves not only parking duties after Tesla removed the USS sensors in the bumper to save $144 apiece, but also for the Off-Road mode.

Moreover, there are code indications that Tesla is now also incorporating the front camera feed into its FSD algorithms. Even the Cybercab has one, so it is high time that Tesla starts shipping the Model 3 with it, if it wants to have its features on all the refreshed vehicles in its portfolio.

While a front camera might not be a must for adding a Model 3 to the Robotaxi fleet, Tesla is usually very careful not to overspend on unneedy parts, so its feed might indeed be needed come FSD 14, and that is why Tesla is adding it to future production units.

As for retrofits to existing Model 3 facelift units with the rest of the HW4 kit needed for the Robotaxi service, the MIIT entry does say "optional camera at the front bumper," so Tesla might be planning a campaign for older Highland vehicles, too.

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