A growing number of Tesla owners in Europe are banding together to challenge the electric car manufacturer, claiming that the promised Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities for vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3) have not been delivered. The initiative, known as “HW3 Claim,” has gained momentum with hundreds of verified participants voicing their concerns.
The dispute arises as the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) recently approved FSD Supervised for public roads in the Netherlands. However, while newer vehicles with AI4 hardware are receiving the full FSD version, HW3 owners are reportedly only getting a “v14 Lite” software package. This discrepancy has left many owners feeling shortchanged and frustrated.
Mischa Sigtermans, a 2019 Model 3 owner and the founder of the HW3 Claim initiative, expressed his disappointment after waiting seven years for the promised FSD capabilities. Sigtermans stated that Tesla owes him €6,800, the cost of the FSD package, emphasizing that the company had assured customers that software updates would unlock full autonomy with the same hardware.
The crux of the issue lies in the performance gap between different hardware generations. Data suggests that AI4 hardware can achieve an average of 450 miles between driver disengagements, while HW3 struggles with just 120 miles. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has acknowledged the technical limitations of older hardware, admitting that HW3 computers may need to be replaced for FSD functionality.
Despite Tesla’s previous marketing claims that every vehicle is equipped with the necessary hardware for full self-driving capabilities, recent technical filings have raised doubts about the feasibility of running FSD on older hardware. The HW3 Claim organizers have gathered evidence to support their case, including a Tesla patent that highlights potential limitations of older hardware for autonomous driving.
The group has sent two formal notices to Tesla, both of which were rejected. As FSD rolls out more widely across the European Union, the HW3 Claim organizers are preparing for potential collective legal action or a mass damage settlement under Dutch law. They emphasize the importance of uniting HW3 owners with purchased FSD packages to strengthen their case against Tesla.
In conclusion, the HW3 Claim initiative highlights the frustration and disappointment felt by Tesla owners who have not received the promised FSD capabilities. The group’s efforts to hold Tesla accountable for its marketing promises and technical limitations reflect a growing demand for transparency and fairness in the electric vehicle industry.