All newly manufactured Tesla cars have camera systems containing up to 9 external cameras. They feed data and images to build a comprehensive perspective of the driving environment. The neural networks can then parse traffic lights, read signs, detect objects, and ultimately allow for features like Autopilot, advanced safety capabilities, and future full autonomous driving.
While Tesla’s vehicle lineup has expanded over the years, so too have the cameras onboard. The total number ranges from 8-9 depending on the specific Tesla model and hardware version. Generally the split is:
| Model | Exterior Cameras | Interior Cabin Camera | Total Cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model S (pre 2021 refresh) | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Model S (2021 refresh onwards) | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Model 3 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Model X (pre 2021 refresh) | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Model X (2021 refresh onwards) | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Model Y | 8 | 1 | 9 |
As you can see, while the exterior camera count holds steady at 8, Tesla started incorporating interior cabin cameras beginning with the Model 3, progressing to the 2021 refresh Model S and Model X, and the 2020 Model Y. This brought the total cameras up to 9.
Related: Are Tesla Cameras Always Recording?
These camera configurations correspond to the different evolution stages of Tesla’s Autopilot hardware technology:
- Hardware 1.0: Early Model S & Model X only had 1 front-facing camera
- Hardware 2.0: Introduced 8 exterior cameras
- Hardware 3.0: Added internal cabin camera bringing total to 9
So in summary, today’s newly built Tesla Lineup uniformly has 9 cameras each, whereas older pre-2021 refresh variants have 8.
Where are Tesla Cameras Located?
The 8-9 cameras on Tesla models are strategically positioned around the vehicle to provide comprehensive environmental sensing and visibility. Let’s look at where each camera is located:
3 Forward-Facing Cameras
Mounted right behind the windshield near the rearview mirror assembly are 3 forward facing cameras. Each has a different focal length and field of view:
- Wide-Angle Camera – With its 120 degree field of view fish-eye lens, this camera captures nearby traffic, signs, lights, as well as obstacles entering the vehicle’s path at close range.
- Main Camera – Offers balanced and optimized view with a maximum distance of 150 meters. Suited for a range of driving use cases.
- Narrow Camera – A telephoto lens with the longest 250 meter range focused narrowly and optimized for high-speed driving.
4 Side Cameras
Wrapping around the sides of the vehicles are cameras with views facing both forward and backward:
- Forward-Facing Side Cameras – Angled slightly forward, a camera is mounted in each front door pillar with 80 meter range. Helps identify crossing traffic at intersections with limited visibility.
- Rear-Facing Side Cameras – Situated on the edges of the front fender/wheel wells, these cameras point backwards at a 45 degree angle. Can see up to 100 meters diagonally into blind spots.
1 Rear View Camera
Centrally located on the vehicle’s hind above the license plate is the rear view camera which faces backwards with 50 meters of range.
1 Interior Cabin Camera
The only interior facing camera is also known as the cabin camera, placed right above the rearview mirror overlooking driver’s seat. Monitors attention and prevents distraction.
Why so many cameras?
The comprehensive placement and specialized optics of Tesla’s cameras facilitate a diverse set of capabilities that enhance vehicles safety, performance, and overall driver experience:
360 Degree Camera Visibility
With eyes pointing front, sides, rear, and even driver-facing, Tesla vehicles can digitally perceive in all directions simultaneously. As you can imagine, all of these cameras need to “talk to” each other in order for this to happen – which is where calibrating comes in. This grants 360 degrees of visibility further augmented by long distance views of up to 250 meters thanks to the telephoto lens. Vehicles, pedestrians, signs, and lights get snapped up at both far and wide angles.
Autopilot & Full Self Driving
One of the most transformational abilities granted by Tesla’s neural network-powered camera system is enabling vehicles to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically via features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. Tesla’s vast trove of image data also trains its self-driving capabilities. The company claims future software updates will unlock full autonomous driving utilizing the cameras.
Active Safety Features
In addition to steering input adjustments, the cameras allow Tesla vehicles to perform Collision Avoidance Assists and Automatic Emergency Braking, potentially preventing accidents altogether by visually detecting imminent collisions.
Other convenience & safety features include:
- Reading speed signs for speed limit adjustments
- Identifying lane markings for staying centered
- Self parking through visual environment recognition
- Warning drivers of lane departures
- Blind spot collision warning using side cameras
- Security via Sentry Mode monitoring while parked
This list highlights just some of the features empowered by the cameras. As computer vision technology matures, even more advanced capabilities leveraging the cameras will emerge through over-the-air software updates.
How to Clean Tesla Cameras
- Rinse cameras using a spray bottle filled with water or pressure washer if very dirty. Avoid rubbing lens surfaces.
- Mix gentle, pH-neutral soap with water. Dip microfiber cloth and gently wipe cameras, removing remaining dirt.
- Thoroughly rinse soap residue off cameras using spray bottle or hose.
- Dry cameras fully with a fresh microfiber cloth. Moisture left behind can affect image quality.
Repeat cleaning periodically as needed, especially after rain or snow. Schedule professional cleaning service if cameras remain obstructed. Keeping the lenses clean is essential for optimal functionality.
Keeping cameras clean is critical to ensure optimal functionality of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance and autonomy features. Dirt, debris, snow, and rain can easily obstruct the camera’s view, leading to degraded performance. The cameras rely on clear visibility to accurately perceive the driving environment.
Wrapping Up
The number of cameras equipping Tesla vehicles has increased substantially, from just 1 initial camera up to today’s configurations with 8-9 cameras. This expanding visual perspective enables more comprehensive scene understanding and advanced capabilities.
Strategic positioning of the cameras—facing front, sides, rear, and driver monitoring—give a complete 360 degree environmental view. Together with the specialized optics and processing power, Tesla vehicles can digitally perceive and react to their surroundings much like a human, but with added safety.
As Tesla continues innovating its autonomy features, the intricate camera system will only grow in importance. Maintaining visibility of these machine eyes through regular cleaning ensures our vehicles remain protected by their vision as much as they protect us.
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