In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that vehicles with Hardware 3 will be receiving FSD V12.5 in about 10 days.
When FSD V12.5 was rolled out initially, it only rolled out to Model Y vehicles with AI4 (Hardware 4). However, just a few days later, FSD V12.5 started rolling out to most AI4-based vehicles.
Hardware 3
Hardware 3 owners have been left feeling behind on this, especially since the divergence between Hardware 3 and AI4 wasn’t supposed to start happening until later this year. Elon has mentioned that even though AI4 is still emulating Hardware 3, the additional compute capacity available on the newer hardware makes it easier to develop.
This pretty much means that Tesla is developing for Hardware 3 but is using the unconstrained compute power of AI4 to test and do initial rollouts. After optimization, it then rolls out to Hardware 3 vehicles. This is similar to how most software is often made – on far better PCs, and then scaled down and optimized to better fit the average computer.
But Tesla clearly isn’t abandoning their Hardware 3 and Tegra-based infotainment (MCU 1) customers just yet. Update 2024.26.3 brings FSD V12 to MCU1 vehicles for the first time. These vehicles are based on an older infotainment chipset from NVIDIA. That’s a great leap in optimization and compatibility and demonstrates Tesla and Elon’s commitment to bringing Unsupervised FSD to any vehicle produced after 2016.
V12.5 is Significant
FSD V12.5.1 has also shown some amazing improvements, with the capability to navigate parking lots and unpaved/unmarked roads being demonstrated by AIDRIVR on X below. That’s one of the key components that Tesla will need for its Robotaxi, as well as for Actually Smart Summon, Park Seek, and Banish Autopark. And Elon has said that there is more to come.
We haven’t heard about these features making it to FSD V12.5 just yet, but we do know that sunglasses-capable hands-free, end-to-end highway stack, more natural lane changes, and Cybertruck FSD are supposed to be coming soon. This laundry list of improvements is found in the Update 2024.20.15 Release Notes, all listed as Upcoming Improvements.
We’re excited to see FSD V12.5 coming to Hardware 3 vehicles – especially as the vast majority of Tesla’s current fleet is still on Hardware 3, not AI4. While Elon has said Tesla doesn’t envision an upgrade path between Hardware 3 and AI4 due to the complexity, there’s always a chance Tesla will develop new AI4-based hardware that meets the power consumption capabilities and space constraints of vehicles running HW3.
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Tesla’s latest FSD update, version 2024.27.5 brings some improvements when parking your vehicle. This is another undocumented, but one we’re happy to see.
Most recently, the Cybertruck received the undocumented change for the Hands-Free Frunk opening (video below). The Cybertruck also recently received Vision Park Assist, which included steering wheel guides in the visualization showing the direction the front and rear wheels were turned. However, it turns out this isn’t just for the Cybertruck.
Update: We’ve updated this article to mention that this feature isn’t included in update 2024.32 yet.
Quick video on the auto frunk. It's literally 🧍♂️📐
Due to the Cybertruck’s unique rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire design, Park Assist in the Cybertruck displayed the path of the front wheels, and how they would swing while reversing.
This enhancement is also coming to every Tesla vehicle in FSD 12.5.2 and later. It’s also expected to be available in a future update for non-FSD vehicles. However, it’s unclear whether it will be a later revision of update 2024.32 or the next major Tesla update. This is a neat little update, as it helps drivers better understand and predict the path their vehicle will take during a turn.
Brandon, going by @teslaflexx on X, originally spotted the new visuals recently on an AMD-based Model Y running 2024.27.5 and FSD V12.5.2.
Any vehicles who are on update 2024.27.5 or 2024.27.20 should have access to this new feature.
Looks like Cybertruck wasn’t the only vehicle to get the new guide visuals with park assist. Much better than the lines! pic.twitter.com/tF9ZsWCcWy
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been used as an awesome off-road vehicle so far, with some great videos from both Tesla themselves, as well as many owners who have been challenging difficult off-road obstacles.
One frequently requested feature, however, is additional armor for the Cybertruck to improve its off-road capabilities. Wes Morril, Program Manager for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that Tesla will be introducing Battery Armor and Rock Sliders as retrofit “options” by the end of 2024.
Battery Armor
The Cybertruck’s underbody plate, while not completely unarmoured, isn’t exactly super thick, and can leave the battery exposed if the weight of the truck is left on a high-center point or a sharp rock. This upcoming battery armor will be similar to the armored undersides offered by other companies specifically for off-roading.
Rivian, for example, sells armor as a single package for $3,950 USD, or $5,800 CAD, along with a 20” wheel upgrade, full-size spare, and a utility panel including an air compressor and enough hose to let you reach any of the tires when airing up or down your tires for off-road. Tesla’s upcoming Battery Armor will be a retrofit option, unlike Rivian’s – which can only be added when purchasing the vehicle.
Rock Sliders
The Cybertruck has a simple and clean bottom corner – but that also means that it exposes the plastic trim directly. Rock sliders go on the bottom edge of off-road vehicles between the wheels to protect the vehicle's body. Rock sliders are a pretty common modification, and some companies have already begun to offer them for the Cybertruck – but a first-party OEM option is always best.
This is especially true since most third-party options use the lift points of the vehicle to attach rock sliders, which can make replacing wheels or lifting the vehicle difficult without removing the third-party additions. This adds considerable time to what should be a quick job.
Release Date
We’re looking forward to Tesla bringing these options to the Tesla store in the coming months. Wes said they’d be available as retrofits before the end of 2024, along with the upcoming Winter Tire Package, which is arriving next month. The Winter Tire Package is already available to order for Cybertruck owners.
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