Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is ordering the next-generation AI5/HW5 chip, expected to achieve performance between 2000 and 2500 TOPS, significantly faster than the current HW4 computer.
2. TSMC is likely the main foundry for the AI5 chip production, with Samsung as a backup for mass shipping in 2026.
3. Enhanced camera features are expected with the AI5/HW5 kit, including weather-proof cameras that can melt ice or snow quickly.
4. Tesla plans to start outfitting vehicles with AI5/HW5 FSD hardware by the end of the year, possibly aiming for a holiday sales boost.
5. Elon Musk hinted at a new FSD 14 version with fourfold improvements, but it remains unclear if HW5 is necessary for its operation.
While Tesla is working hard to fit its unsupervised FSD algorithms into the existing HW3 computer that makes up most of its vehicles, it has already started ordering the next-generation HW5 chip, now referred to as AI5.
Orders and Performance Expectations
These orders are going to both TSMC and Samsung foundries, and insiders from Korea are saying that the Tesla AI5/HW5 FSD computer is expected to achieve performance between 2000 and 2500 TOPS (trillion operations per second). This represents a speed increase of five times compared to the current HW4 computer, which is found in the latest Model Y and can smoothly run unsupervised FSD. The launch of the pilot Tesla Robotaxi platform is planned for the week of June 21, featuring around a dozen driverless Model Y units equipped with the AI4 hardware kit, which will operate in Austin without supervision.
Future Production Plans
There are rumors that Tesla has chosen TSMC for the production process of its 3nm N3P chip and may become one of their largest customers as TSMC ramps up production of the AI5/HW5 FSD processor later this year. Tesla is keeping Samsung as a backup foundry for its AI5 chip, but it’s said that they will only rely on Samsung’s production in 2026 when they begin mass shipping HW5 vehicles.
At this point, it’s uncertain what additional enhancements the AI5/HW5 Tesla FSD hardware kit will offer beyond the much quicker computer. However, improved FSD cameras are one rumored upgrade.
Enhanced Camera Features
Reports indicate that Samsung will provide its Weather Proof automotive cameras, which include a heating element embedded directly in the lens rather than running through the cover glass. These cameras retain the 8MP sensors similar to those on the new Model Y, but they can melt ice or snow covering them in under a minute, which will surely be beneficial for users in colder areas looking to utilize FSD.
Tesla already has a cleaning system for the front bumper camera in its newer models, but the new Samsung Weather Proof cameras that might be included in the Tesla HW5 kit also feature a six times tougher coating that is water-repellent. This design will help remove melted snow or ice droplets from the lens, resulting in less distortion when changing lanes or detecting movement, according to Samsung.
Tesla is expected to start outfitting its initial batches of vehicles with AI5/HW5 FSD hardware before the year wraps up, possibly reserving this upgrade for the holiday quarter batches to boost sales.
What’s Next for Tesla FSD?
Elon Musk hinted that the new FSD 14 version, set to release around that time, will show a fourfold improvement across its parameters, leaving it unclear if HW5 will be necessary to operate it. Tesla has promised to retrofit all HW3 vehicles for free with HW4 computers for those who want to try unsupervised FSD if they cannot get it to work on the older hardware.
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