Tesla installs new chips - with consequences for the range

Created: 2022-01-24 09:56

By: Simon Mones

Tesla replaces the Intel chips in the Model 3 and Y with processors from AMD.

But that has consequences for the range.

Austin (USA) – As one of the few car manufacturers, Tesla has managed to significantly increase its sales in 2021.

And that despite the corona pandemic and lack of chips.

One of the reasons for this was that the US company was able to reprogram its software so that it also worked with other chips and was therefore more flexible.

In the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has also replaced the Intel Atom chips with high-performance processors from AMD's Rayzen series, as reported by 24auto.de.

The infotainment system in particular benefits from the new chip in the on-board computer, as Tesla explained: "Up to 10 teraflops of computing power enable the Tesla Arcade platform to be used for in-car games that are in no way inferior to the latest consoles."

Tesla installs new chips - with consequences for the range

Already at the end of November 2021 there were first reports about the chip exchange in the Model Y from the Gigafactory in Shanghai.

In the meantime, Tesla also seems to be using the new AMD processors for the Model 3.

However, this is not without consequences, as a look at the Tesla homepage shows.

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Tesla has recently started using high-performance AMD chips for its on-board computer.

(Iconic image) © Tesla

In the configurator, the ranges of the Model 3 Long Rage have shrunk by a whopping twelve kilometers.

With the 18-inch rims, the electric car should now only cover 626 kilometers (according to WLTP) instead of 637 kilometers.

Only 602 kilometers instead of the previous 614 kilometers are possible on the 19 inchers.

The reason for the reduced range is therefore the new chip, which requires significantly more energy than before.

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Tesla installs new chips – range of Model 3 and Y adjusted

Tesla has also informed customers who have already ordered a Model 3 about the shorter range, as a tweet from Teslascope shows. “We've updated the Model 3 to optimize the touchscreen experience with our new trip computer. This hardware change requires more power, resulting in a small reduction in range. (Tesla: Full Self-Driving with a new function - there is criticism)

In Australia, a buyer had to consent to the adjusted range.

However, this is not required in all countries.

Interestingly, however, the range has only dropped on the Model 3.

With the Model Y, where the new chipset has been in use since November 2021 at the latest, the opposite effect was evident.

However, this is probably due to the fact that the electric SUV is now being delivered with a slightly larger battery and can therefore compensate for the chip's higher energy requirements.

(Tesla: Full Self Driving in the snow: "Like a young puppy") *24auto.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA