Tesla’s FSD has taken a significant leap forward with the wide rollout of version 12.5.1.5 for AI3 (HW3) vehicles. This update marks a crucial milestone in Tesla’s autonomous driving journey, bringing advanced capabilities to older hardware while maintaining performance parity with newer models.
The challenge of deploying FSD v12.5.1.5 on HW3 platforms stemmed from the hardware differences between the older and newer Tesla models. Ashok Elluswamy, a key figure in Tesla’s Autopilot development, revealed that the team achieved comparable performance to the AI4 12.5 release by implementing a scaled-down model for AI3. This feat required innovative approaches to model compression and optimization, demonstrating Tesla’s commitment to supporting its entire fleet.
Early feedback from AI Driver, a Tesla FSD enthusiast, indicates that the “12.5 magic” remains intact in this scaled-down version. The update brings notable improvements in natural path-taking through turns, enhanced lane positioning, and refined acceleration and braking. These advancements suggest that Tesla’s algorithm compression techniques have been largely successful in maintaining the core functionality of FSD v12.5 on older hardware.
Despite the overall positive reception, some limitations of the HW3 platform are evident. The absence of an interior camera in legacy Model S vehicles means that hands-free operation and reduced nag frequency are not possible. Additionally, slight differences in stopping smoothness and occasional unexpected stops at unmarked intersections have been observed, highlighting the ongoing refinement process.
As Tesla continues to fine-tune FSD v12.5.1.5 for HW3, the company is simultaneously working on adapting the full AI4 platform model for deployment on AI3 hardware. This parallel development approach underscores Tesla’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with existing hardware while paving the way for future advancements.
The successful rollout of FSD v12.5.1.5 to HW3 vehicles represents a significant achievement in Tesla’s quest for full autonomy. As the company refine and expand its FSD capabilities, it’s clear that Tesla is driving towards a future where advanced autonomous features are accessible across its entire fleet, regardless of hardware generation. With each update, Tesla is not just upgrading software, but redefining the driving experience for its customers.
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