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Tesla Softens Autonomy Claims as FSD v14 Reaches HW4 and 'V14 Lite' Targeted for HW3

Tesla now says new vehicles are designed for autonomy, signaling a shift in expectations while it charts a slower path for older hardware.

Overview

  • In its Q3 shareholder letter, Tesla replaced prior assurances of built-in Full Self-Driving hardware with the phrase that vehicles are designed for autonomy.
  • On the earnings call, executives said they have not given up on Hardware 3 owners and pledged to take care of them through promotions, trade-in options and support.
  • Tesla plans a modified 'V14 Lite' of Full Self-Driving for HW3, which executives said is probably expected in the second quarter of 2026 once the v14 release series is complete.
  • Version 14 is rolling out on newer HW4 cars, with wider access in the US and updates reaching Canada, while many HW3 vehicles remain on older FSD releases.
  • Multiple class actions in the US, China and Australia challenge past autonomy claims, and Tesla says it is working with regulators to expand availability beyond current markets.