Tesla HW3 vs. HW4: What has changed and how did that affect Tesla accessories

Picture by Leonardo Gonzalez

Tesla’s journey toward full self-driving (FSD) has been nothing short of revolutionary. With each hardware upgrade, Tesla vehicles get smarter, safer, and more capable. But what exactly changed between Hardware 3 (HW3) and Hardware 4 (HW4)? And how do these updates impact accessories like Jowua’s glovebox hubs? Let’s dive into the details and explore why Jowua’s latest hubs are a game-changer for Tesla owners.

Tesla HW3 vs. HW4: A Leap Forward in Autonomy

The Evolution of Tesla’s Hardware

Tesla’s HW3, introduced in 2018, was a groundbreaking step in autonomous driving. It featured Tesla’s first custom-built FSD computer, capable of handling advanced driver-assist features with impressive computing power. Fast forward to 2023, and HW4 takes over, delivering even more robust performance.

But what makes HW4 so special? Let’s break it down:

1. Camera Technology

• Resolution: HW4 boasts 5-megapixel cameras, a massive upgrade from HW3’s 1.2-megapixel units. This means sharper, more detailed imagery for better object detection and navigation.
• Low-Light Performance: HW4 cameras feature red-tinted lenses, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions—something HW3 couldn’t match.
• Field of View: With a wider field of view and a streamlined two-camera setup (instead of three), HW4 offers better coverage and efficiency.

2. Computing Power

HW4’s FSD computer is 3-5 times faster than HW3, enabling more complex autonomous driving computations. This upgrade is powered by AMD Ryzen APUs, making HW4 a powerhouse for Tesla’s FSD ambitions.

3. Power Consumption and Electrical System

• Higher Power Needs: HW4 consumes about twice as much power at idle compared to HW3, impacting features like Sentry mode and overall battery usage.

• Voltage Shift: HW4 operates at 16V, up from HW3’s 12V system. This change affects how accessories draw power and integrate with the vehicle.

Why HW4’s Power Demands Matter for Accessories

With great power comes great responsibility—and higher power consumption. HW4’s increased electrical demands mean accessories like glovebox hubs need to adapt. Here’s why:

• Higher Power Loads: Since HW4 is handling more power than HW3, starting the car results into a high power output to wake up all the technology in the car

• Power attribution: Since there is a high output for existing hardware already, HW4 sometimes struggles to attribute enough power to external accessories.

This is where Jowua’s expertise shines.

Jowua’s Glovebox Hubs: Designed for HW4’s Future

Jowua has always been at the forefront of Tesla accessories, and understanding the technological needs for a perfectly integrated accessory. Their glovebox hubs are no exception. With HW4’s unique challenges, Jowua has engineered a solution that ensures seamless integration and optimal performance.

Key Features of Jowua’s HW4-Compatible Hubs

1. Power Load Management
   Jowua’s hubs are built to handle HW4’s higher power consumption. To meet HW4’s recognition requirements, Jowua’s hubs implement a gradual power-up process. Instead of an instant spike in power, the hub powers up step by step, ensuring smooth recognition and preventing voltage drops, which helps Tesla recognizing the hubs without fail.

2. Aluminum Design for even Lower Interference
   While the interference with GPS signals caused by hubs in the glovebox was a more than rare occurrence, the aluminum design of the new hub avoids interferences of any kind within the glovebox.
   

3. Three-in-one
   Whether you’re connecting a storage for sentry mode, music storage, or game controllers, Jowua’s hubs provide reliable connectivity without compromising your Tesla’s performance on three slots instead of just one.

Visualizing the Difference

To better understand the impact of HW4’s power demands and the change that the Jowua Hub makes, let’s visualize two scenarios:

Instant Wake-Up Power Consumption

This graph how external accessories usually power up in a Tesla.

How Jowua overcame the problem

Using a smart trick in sequencing the power attribution, the Jowua hub needs less power initially and instead powers up over time. Like that, the Tesla can attribute power to the hub after powering up other technology first, avoiding the problem that Tesla can't recognize external accessories. 

The benefits of a glovebox hub

The glovebox hub has become an essential accessory for Tesla owners since Tesla has taken away data transferability on every USB slot except the one in the glovebox. Tesla drivers that enjoy accessories which need to be connected to communicate with the Tesla, will find themselves in a struggle: do you want to use the Tesla USB for the sentry mode, or do you want to connect your newly bought accessory? Here the hub comes in clutch and helps: one USB slot turns into three.

But what kind of accessories work well with the hub? In the end, any accessory that requires a USB connectivity can be used on the plug. Some of these might be:

• Tesla Microphone
• USB stick with high quality audio files
• Jowua Game Controller 

The hub comes in two versions. One version is compatible with MicroSD as it carries a MicroSD slot, whereas the other version has a 1 TB SSD integrated. This M.2 NVMe SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen2 and runs at speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This high speed and the big capacity of the SSD provide the perfect solution for combining a storage for sentry mode with a hub that can host three USB devices. Finally, it comes with a USB A to USB C adapter, which allows you to directly read the SSD on your iPhone (iPhone 15 onwards).

Conclusion: Embrace the Future with Jowua

The transition from HW3 to HW4 represents a significant leap in Tesla’s autonomous driving technology. But with these advancements come new challenges, especially for accessories. Jowua’s glovebox hubs are leading the way, offering a solution that’s not just compatible but optimized for HW4’s unique demands.

Whether you’re a Tesla enthusiast or a new owner, Jowua’s hubs ensure your vehicle is equipped for the future. Ready to upgrade? Explore Jowua’s HW4-compatible glovebox hubs today and experience the difference for yourself.