Tesla's cameras around placed strategically around the vehicle
Tesla
In Tesla's mission to shape the future of sustainable transportation, a pivotal part is played by its camera systems. Designed to enhance safety, enable autonomous features, and provide security against threats, these cameras have evolved significantly over the years.
The Evolution of Tesla's Camera Systems: From MobileEye to Hardware 4
Tesla's journey with integrating cameras into their vehicles started post-2014. The early models with the Autopilot 1 (AP1) system used technology from MobileEye, a leader in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
However, with the arrival of the Model 3 and Model Y and the 2021 redesigned Model S and Model X, the game changed. All these models now feature nine cameras. Fast forward to 2023, some models are now equipped with Hardware 4.0 (HW4), which have eight higher resolution cameras, and reduce the front-facing cameras to two.
Front Cameras
Teslas have three front-facing cameras with HW3 and two with HW 4
Tesla
The front cameras are located at the top of the windshield. They consist of a camera with a typical lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens. The telephoto camera can see up to 250 meters ahead according to Tesla, ideal for high-speed Autopilot use, while the main lens covers 150 meters. In addition, the wide-angle lens gives a panoramic-like view for navigation at complex intersections and tight curves.
Rear View Camera
The rearview camera is positioned above the license plate. It provides a view of up to 50 meters behind the vehicle, assisting with parking, reverse driving and reverse automatic emergency braking.
Fender Cameras
Teslas contain a camera on each fender that points toward the rear of the vehicle at about a 45° angle. This allows the vehicle to see vehicles to its side and help monitor the vehicle's blind spots.
These cameras can also be viewed by the driver when using Tesla's blind spot monitor feature, or by enabling the side cameras while in reverse, which displays the reverse camera feed, along with the fender or 'repeater' cameras.
B-Pillar Cameras
Tesla vehicles also include two other side cameras that are found on the B-pillar. Instead of aiming backward like the repeater cameras, these cameras are aimed toward the front of the vehicle. This allows them to capture areas in the front half of the vehicle. These cameras aid with intersections, parking and more. Unfortunately, the video from these cameras can only be viewed while the vehicle is parked and by going to Controls > Service and tapping on 'Preview Cameras'.
Cabin Camera
All current Tesla models include a cabin camera. The camera is located above the rearview mirror and monitors driver attentiveness, especially when Autopilot is in use. You can view the cabin camera onscreen by navigating to Controls > Service > Preview Cabin Camera. You can also view it through the Tesla app if Sentry Mode is enabled and Sentry Mode Live Access is available in your region.
Future Bumper Camera
Looking ahead, newer Tesla models are expected to feature a bumper camera, as seen in the Cybertruck prototypes. Additionally, with hardware 4.0, the cameras have a higher resolution and an anti-glare coating for enhanced visibility.
Functionality Unveiled: The Multifaceted Uses of Tesla's Cameras
Tesla's cameras play a vital role in the advanced features the vehicles are known for. Their primary use is for the Autopilot system and active safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). Furthermore, Sentry Mode and Dashcam features use cameras to record potential threats when parked and on the road. In newer models, the cabin camera monitors driver attentiveness to ensure safety during Autopilot use.
View, Access and Calibrate
Tesla now lets you preview all cameras included in your vehicle
Simon
While driving, you can access the rear and fender cameras through the center display. To test or preview other cameras, you can navigate to Controls > Service > Preview Cameras, and then select the camera you'd like to preview at the top of the screen. In addition, through the Tesla app, remote viewing capabilities are available for five of the vehicle's cameras, including the front-facing camera, fender cameras, rear camera, and cabin camera.
If you're noticing issues with your vehicle's cameras, Tesla provides the ability to calibrate them. It's a simple process initiated from the vehicle's touchscreen, although certain features like Autopilot will be unavailable until the process completes.
Confidentiality in Focus: Tesla's Data Privacy Measures
Tesla takes data privacy seriously. For example, the cabin camera doesn't save or transmit data unless data sharing is enabled in your car's settings. For Sentry Mode and Dashcam footage, data is stored locally and can be accessed only by the owner.
Tesla's advanced camera systems play an integral role in enhancing vehicle safety, providing driver-assist features, and creating a robust security layer. However, understanding the function and usage of these cameras is essential for maximizing the benefits. With Tesla continuously innovating, exciting enhancements, like bumper cameras and upgraded hardware, lie on the horizon, promising to take vehicular safety and autonomy to the next level.
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Following the recent spate of misguided violence against Tesla - which has targetted both private owners, as well as Tesla’s showrooms, service centers, and Supercharger sites, owners have been requesting Tesla to improve Sentry Mode and enable the B-pillar cameras. Tesla is now also looking to Sentry Mode to help protect their showrooms and service centers.
Service Mode Sentry Mode
In response to violence being directed at customer vehicles awaiting repairs at collision centers or awaiting delivery at showrooms, Tesla will now enable Sentry Mode on any vehicles that are parked at a Tesla service or Tesla collision location. They will also enable Sentry Mode on vehicles that are being prepared for delivery or are in delivery holding lots.
This change was announced by Elon Musk, following requests from many owners and followers on X for improvements to Sentry Mode following increased Tesla-focused vandalism.
This could put some additional stress on Tesla employees since Sentry Mode uses additional energy when active, meaning that employees will be required to plug in each vehicle about once per week, based on the amount of energy Sentry Mode uses. Tesla is still planning on improving the power efficiency of Sentry Mode in a future update.
While enabling Sentry Mode won’t directly prevent vandalism, such as vehicles honking or playing music when a threat is detected by Sentry Mode, this could help reduce the continued violence by making it easier for Tesla and Tesla owners to get video footage of the vandals.
By doing so, Tesla can ensure that they’re able to press charges against vandals, which will help to dissuade this misguided behavior. Hopefully, just the news that these cars are always recording - even when parked and awaiting repair or delivery - will give these would-be vandals a second thought before committing a crime.
While Elon didn’t mention whether this change would be limited to the United States, we expect that, at the very minimum, it will also include Canada, where 80 cars were recently damaged by vandals overnight at a service center while awaiting repairs. Ideally, this change will be rolled out globally and will help improve security at Tesla’s locations throughout the world.
Elon Musk has always been a bit of a celebrity and not always one that has been well received. With his many different companies - including Tesla, SpaceX, Boring, Neuralink, X, and xAI, he’s spread throughout many high-tech fields and has a massive say in the way technology impacts the lives of many.
Most recently, Elon has taken to the fore of the US government under the Trump Administration and is running the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Here, he’s been tasked with reducing government spending.
These moves, in addition to what looked like an inappropriate hand gesture at a Republican rally last year, have led to him being labeled a Nazi - and those who own his cars or support his companies - as Nazi sympathizers. This is particularly true for Cybertruck owners.
We’re not calling for Elon to step down or stop - that’s beyond the scope of this opinion piece. Instead, we’re hoping that we make a point - harming real people and their property is a step too far, especially when they haven’t done anything other than spend their money or choose their place of employment.
Boycotts and Protests
Few CEOs are as active in politics as Elon is - and that’s made him and his companies the targets of protestors who don't agree with the changes and policies. This has led to boycotts of Tesla, protests outside factories, Supercharger sites, and showrooms.
Interestingly, some protestors at several locations throughout the United States have admitted they are being paid to protest. This isn’t surprising or new - political activist organizations sometimes bring in paid protestors to pad crowd numbers or guide the protestors toward their goals. While we can’t say whether this is true or not at this time, Elon appears to believe so, as per a post on X on the 8th of March.
Some of the protests have descended into violence, which has likely been escalated by people in a crowd mentality. An example of this is the incident at Tesla’s NYC Meatpacking showroom - where the crowd attempted to break down the doors and enter the showroom, putting the lives of innocent employees and customers at risk.
While protesting is a right, harming others and harming private property is not, regardless of personal beliefs or political opinions. This is what we’d like to emphasize here - harming or threatening Tesla’s employees and their customers isn’t making for a better world - it is hurting real people - members of your community. Some of them may have stood in solidarity with you just mere months ago at the voting booths, but now the simple ownership of a Tesla vehicle is considered extreme.
Vandalism and Who It Impacts
The protests are really just the tip of the iceberg. There have been ongoing and escalating incidents of vandalism - both at Tesla’s showrooms and Superchargers, as well as of private vehicles.
Vandalism is a crime - full stop. Attacking others and their private property with the intent to harm them isn’t an effective means to portray a message - it is political violence. Harming others is never the correct option - and is the worst way to push your message.
Vandalism of a private vehicle doesn't hurt Tesla. That vehicle will be repaired with parts sold by Tesla, paid for by the owner’s insurance. Those insurance costs will be passed down to customers everywhere - whether they’re Tesla-specific or not. Tesla will have made money replacing parts or replacing a vehicle because nearly 70% of Tesla’s customers continue to buy Tesla.
The vandalism isn’t focused on just private vehicles either - much of it has hit Tesla’s showrooms - which have been shot at in the US - and one was even burned down overnight in France. These vandals have also been targeting Tesla’s lots - and damaging cars on their way to customers. Once again, Tesla is insured against all of this - and will only be making replacement vehicles and fixing the damage - just like they did with the arson incident at a Supercharger site - where they replaced the Supercharger in under 48 hours.
Superchargers are public charging infrastructure. Damaging them doesn’t just affect Tesla owners - it impacts all EV drivers. Many Supercharger sites are open to other electric vehicles and serve as a vital charging option, especially in remote areas where charging options may be limited.
Additionally, some Supercharger stations are sometimes partially or fully funded by government grants aimed at expanding EV infrastructure. Acts of vandalism only harm local communities by undermining efforts to build essential public resources.
Sales and Stock
Tesla’s stock and sales have also been hit hard by the recent boycotts and response to Elon’s political activity.
Several analysts are predicting that Tesla’s deliveries in Q1 2025 are expected to be the lowest in the last three years - which will likely be a big hit. On the flipside, Elon is still optimistic about the stock - and has mentioned that the long-term benefits of holding Tesla far outweigh the short-term tensions.
However, Tesla’s stock also swings heavily with the market and is one of the most actively traded stocks by retail investors - both regular stocks and options included. The US markets have been on a relatively downward trend, with the Trump administration telling people to tighten their belts and prepare for a potential recession in the coming months.
These indicators aren’t very clear - and the ramp of the refreshed Model Y will have an impact on sales as Tesla won’t be able to deliver as many vehicles as they normally do.
Musk Owns Only 12% of Tesla
At the end of the day, these protests and all this vandalism only serve one purpose. It hurts hardworking citizens of the countries these events are happening in - whether the United States, Canada, Germany, France, or others.
They don’t impact Elon as much because he owns a small percentage of Tesla. Elon owns 12.8% of Tesla as of February 28, 2025. There are several other large stakeholders who own nearly as much as he does - and hundreds of thousands of retail shareholders. His fortune is so large that even if he lost his entire stake in Tesla today, he’d still be worth over $200 billion.
This amount of money is almost unimaginable. If you were to be given $400,000 every single day since 0 BC - until today - you still wouldn’t be worth as much as Elon Musk. That amount of money is absolutely insane and ridiculous—when you consider how little it affects him and how much real harm it causes to everyday people, it’s clear it’s not the correct approach.
Tesla employs about 130,000 people worldwide. That’s 129,999 people who aren’t Elon Musk that are directly harmed by these actions, all for choosing to work at one of the most innovative tech companies - whose mission is to electrify the world.
Putting all that together - the protests, boycotts, and vandalism aren’t hurting Elon as much as they’re hurting everyone else. They’re hurting regular people. And these people who have been threatened or hurt are never going to look in the same direction as these misguided activists.
Instead, these would-be vandals would be better off redirecting their efforts to reach out to the political leaders in their regions and working on getting better representation - and ensuring that people come to the stands to vote next time there is an election. There is a proper, legal, and moral way to change someone’s mind - with discussion. Threats to damage their property and hurt them are not the way.
Wrapping it all up - harming people and their property is a crime - and it isn’t the way to change people’s minds in a democratic society. It does nothing to harm Elon Musk, and all it hurts are your neighbors and friends.
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