Elon Musk signals reaching limit of Tesla's HW3 despite self-driving promise

Elon Musk has indicated that Tesla is nearing the limits of its Hardware 3 (HW3) self-driving computer, despite previous promises of achieving full self-driving capabilities. Initially, Musk claimed that all Tesla vehicles produced from 2016 onward would have the hardware necessary for "level 5" autonomy. However, he later acknowledged that more computing power might be required, leading to the introduction of HW3. While HW3 was intended to support self-driving through software updates, Tesla has since developed a more powerful HW4, which is now prioritized for new releases. Musk recently stated that the initial rollout of the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version would focus on the Model Y with HW4, as it offers a significant increase in processing capabilities. Although HW3 will eventually receive the same software, it requires additional optimization to function effectively. This shift in focus suggests that Tesla may struggle to fulfill its self-driving promises for HW3 vehicles, raising concerns about the viability of achieving level 5 autonomy. Critics argue that Tesla's slow progress in FSD development and the need for potential future hardware upgrades could hinder the realization of its ambitious self-driving goals. The situation reflects ongoing skepticism regarding Tesla's ability to deliver on its self-driving commitments, particularly for older models equipped with HW3.