Tesla’s 2026 Model Y to Feature HW4.5 with Triple-SoC Architecture

Tesla’s 2026 Model Y is set to be upgraded with HW4.5 advanced driver-assistance hardware. New vehicles have already been equipped with a new compute unit—labeled “AP45” and bearing part number “2261336-02-A”—installed beneath the glove compartment. This upgrade aligns with the HW4.5 component listed in Tesla’s electronic parts catalog (part number 2261336-S2-A, priced at $2,300). Notably, clues pointing to a triple-SoC architecture have surfaced in the vehicle’s infotainment software. Compared to the current dual-SoC redundant design used in HW3 and HW4, the triple-SoC configuration is expected to significantly boost inference throughput and system fault tolerance, further enhancing the safety and performance of autonomous driving—a critical step forward for Tesla in the realm of advanced driver-assistance systems.