A Tesla dummy camera was spotted in some of the company's EV models.
(Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
A Tesla model S sits parked outside of a new Tesla showroom and service center in Red Hook, Brooklyn on July 5, 2016 in New York City. The electric car company and its CEO and founder Elon Musk have come under increasing scrutiny following a crash of one of its electric cars while using the controversial autopilot service.
This dud camera sensor is a part of the new Hardware 4.0, the automaker's latest suite of computers and sensors for the Tesla Autopilot and FSD.
Recently, a filing with Chinese regulators revealed that the EV developer is changing its cameras.
These adjustments involve the front-facing camera setup; integrating two cameras instead of three.
However, the latest leaks show that Hardware 4.0 still has three cameras.
Tesla Dummy Camera Spotted!
According to Electrek's latest report, the dummy camera was spotted on Model X and Model S units manufactured at the Fremont factory.
(Photo : Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
A general view of the Tesla Assembly plant building which also does vehicle delivery and has a service centre, on March 29, 2021 in Tilburg, Netherlands. In mid-March, a Dutch online news site reported that the Tilburg plant, which assembles the Tesla Model S and Model X, will cease work due to changes in the production process, jeopardizing around 100 jobs.
Also Read: Falling Tesla Steering Wheel Leads to US Probe! NHTSA to Investigate Thousands of EVs
At first, it was unclear if they really have three cameras because of the front-facing camera enclosure.
However, the first service manuals for the newly manufactured Model X and S units confirmed the dud camera.
"Bi - Forward Facing (HW4) camera vs old Tri Forward Facing (HW3). Looks like the 3rd camera from recent photos is a dud. Backup camera also looks different," said Redditor u/carrera4s, who was able to acquire the EV manuals.
Tesla confirmed that the third camera is really a dummy camera. However, the automaker didn't provide why this additional camera sensor is there.
What is the Purpose of This Dummy Camera?
Although Tesla didn't provide any clear explanation, many EV fans and critics shared their speculations.
Experts stated that Tesla could be planning to install a new camera later on. Meanwhile, some EV fans said that the dummy camera could be a radar.
They added that the third dud camera actually looks like the TACC radar of Audi.
These rumors may sound quite realistic. However, they will still remain speculations until the giant automaker confirmed them.
Aside from the new dummy camera, Tesla is also working on other EV innovations.
These include the new Tesla Model Y Juniper, which is expected to enter production as early as 2024.
The automaker is also expected to release next-gen Tesla EV models that are 50% cheaper than the current ones.
For more news updates about Tesla and its upcoming EV technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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