5G was recently spotted on Tesla robotaxi screens. A 5G symbol appeared above the car graphic on the interface, this was on Model Y vehicles making regular trips. Users noticed this and shared photos.
These cars have the new Telematics Control Unit, called TCU Gen II, using Quectel AG555QGL hardware. In top situations, this hardware can allow up to 2.4 Gbps download speeds. Tesla included 5G hardware in some cars earlier this year, but those still relied on LTE because carrier agreements weren’t ready. Now, we can see robotaxis are connecting and using 5G.
Model Y Robotaxis with live 5G service
Tesla rolled out about 10 to 20 robotaxi units in Austin, all based on the Model Y. These use the new Full Self-Driving (FSD) V14 software. The service covers a geo-fenced area of about 20 square miles. Over the launch period, these rides have logged more than 15,000 miles.
Seeing an active 5G signal on working robotaxis is important. It signs Tesla finished carrier deals and got the network running. Before this, people were unsure when 5G would become available, since even the newest cars with 5G hardware still used older networks. This robotaxi launch confirms Tesla is now using 5G in the field. It fits Tesla’s usual method of testing technology in controlled pilot fleets before making it available for everyone.
5G hardware availability in new Teslas
New Teslas, especially the Model Y and some Cybertruck builds now have about a 50 percent chance of coming with 5G-ready hardware. This depends on the batch and on parts supply, since some cars are still shipped with the old LTE module. You can’t request a 5G version when ordering. It’s based on supply at the time. The fact that robotaxis now run on 5G suggests a nationwide rollout for private owners could start soon.
With Tesla’s 5G owners can expect, speedy data transfers, quick map updates, better video streaming, and much faster over-the-air software downloads. The extra bandwidth and lower latency help with entertainment, but also boost Tesla’s behind-the-scenes systems that keep improving self-driving. Robotaxis on live 5G provide a rich source of real driving data, helping Tesla upgrade its AI systems more quickly.
Tesla’s private 5G networks
Tesla is also building private 5G networks at several Giga factories, such as in Austin and Berlin. These private systems help with updating and managing large fleets of parked cars at these sites, without needing lots of cables.
Retrofit for current owners
Current Tesla owners might get the chance to upgrade to 5G in the future. Tesla offered similar upgrades when networks moved from 3G to LTE. That required a visit to a service center. There is no details yet on costs or timing for 5G retrofits.
Seeing 5G active in robotaxis is a strong signal that it’s coming soon to regular owners. This phase will let Tesla fix any last problems before rolling it out much wider. If all keeps moving forward, owners should be able to use 5G in their own Teslas soon.
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