23:59 26-01-2026

Tesla Model Y 2026 equipped with Autopilot HW4.5 hardware

Several Tesla owners have reported that their 2026 Model Y vehicles now come equipped with the new Autopilot HW4.5 hardware suite. The company has not officially announced this update, but user data, catalog numbers, and interior photos confirm the presence of the AP45 unit.

Owner Discoveries

The first reports came from an owner of a Model Y AWD Premium manufactured at the Fremont factory. This vehicle features a new 16-inch screen and a computing unit labeled "AP45," hidden beneath the glovebox. The unit's casing displays the part number 2261336-02-A.

Owners of Performance versions, built in December 2025, have also joined the discussion. Photos from vehicles produced in both Fremont and Austin show the same marking: "AP45 — Autopilot Hardware 4.5."

Catalogs Confirm HW4.5

Tesla's electronic parts catalog previously listed an entry for "CAR COMPUTER — LHD — PROVISIONED — HARDWARE 4.5," under part number 2261336-S2-A with a price of $2,300. This was the first hint at a generational shift in the hardware platform, although the company has not provided any official comments.

Autopilot Architecture Changes

Experts in Tesla's internal software have long noted traces of a new triple SoC architecture. While HW3 and HW4 use two system-on-chip units for redundancy, HW4.5 likely incorporates three. This suggests an increase in computational power, improved fault tolerance, and greater potential for future FSD versions.