Tesla has started adding a front bumper camera to its Model 3 vehicles, according to official Chinese regulatory filings. The China Ministry of Information and Technology’s documents show that production began in August 2025. The Model 3 Plus variants received the camera upgrade along with a longer range and bigger battery.
The new camera system requires Tesla’s Hardware 4 computer to function properly. HW4 boards come with empty connector ports specifically designed for future camera integration. This means older Model 3 Highland vehicles with HW4 can potentially receive the upgrade. The latest software update is fully compatible with the plug-and-play camera system.
Tesla VP of vehicle engineering Lars Moravi hinted at the Model 3 camera upgrade timeline during an XTO event in 2025. Production started just days after his interview, matching his predicted timeline. The Chinese market appears to be the first region getting the updated Model 3 with the front camera.
For owners wanting the retrofit, the process requires several components. These include the front camera itself, a front bumper grill, wiring assembly, washer motor, and extra hoses. Installation also requires changing some configuration IDs for the system to work correctly.
One owner successfully demonstrated this by pulling components from a newer vehicle and installing them in a 2023 Model X. After installation, the front bumper camera feed appeared directly on the display while in service mode. The successful activation confirms that older Model S and X vehicles are compatible with new front bumper camera hardware. The new Model S does not offer retrofit options for its camera system, making the Model 3’s upgrade path more appealing.
The retrofit cost to owners is reportedly zero. Tesla service centers can perform these retrofits while maintaining factory warranty coverage. This isn’t unusual for Tesla. The company previously offered global headlight swaps as retrofits, showing they’re willing to upgrade older vehicles with new technology.
Service centers have the capability to handle camera installation and system configuration. Some installations may require a service center visit for proper setup. Tesla may also sell retrofit components through official channels, though installation would still require service center assistance. Technicians typically charge $175 to $200 per hour for specialized installation work, though this retrofit is being offered at no cost.
The addition of the front bumper camera represents a significant upgrade for Model 3 owners. It’s especially important for those who’ve been waiting years for this feature to arrive on Tesla’s most popular vehicle.