Tesla has long equipped its vehicles with LTE (4G) modems, including the new Model Y, Cybertruck, and new Model 3. However, all three models now appear to be transitioning to a new, 5G-capable modem.
This marks a first for Tesla, and it’s likely that the upgraded modem will be integrated into newly manufactured vehicles as supplies become available. The modem, listed as “TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT - TCU - GEN II,” was spotted in Tesla’s Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) by well-known Tesla hacker Green on X.
Faster Speeds, Where Possible
5G coverage remains limited in many areas, with rural and suburban regions still relying on LTE—or even 3G in some cases. Since around 2018, every modern Tesla has been equipped with the Gen I modem, which supports LTE speeds ranging from 20 Mbps on the low end to 100 Mbps at peak performance.
The new Gen II modem, where supported, will enable 5G speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps). While this will be most effective in urban areas with dense 5G transmitter coverage, it will also benefit some well-developed suburban regions.
New Model Y
Interestingly, the new Model Y may come with either a Gen I or Gen II TCU, meaning buyers won’t know which modem they’re getting until they receive the vehicle. Green confirmed on X that both the LTE-equipped Gen I unit and the new 5G-capable unit are valid configurations for the new Model Y.
Retrofits
While Tesla now offers direct-to-customer parts sales, the EPC does not list a price for either the LTE or 5G-capable TCUs. This is because these units require programming by Tesla Service or a trained technician and must be paired with a SIM card linked to the vehicle’s VIN.
Although the hardware swap itself is expected to be relatively straightforward, this isn’t something owners can retrofit on their own. However, Tesla may offer a retrofit service in the future. For now, with parts still in limited supply, pricing remains uncertain.
If 5G support becomes essential, you might be able to request a TCU retrofit through Tesla Service in the coming months as availability improves.
When Tesla vehicles were equipped with 3G-only modems, Tesla offered a paid retrofit to an LTE-capable modem, but this was mostly due to AT&T shutting off their 3G network, and these vehicles would lose their cellular connection otherwise.
Ultimately, this news of the 5G modem confirms that Tesla remains committed to cellular connectivity in its vehicles—at least for now. Direct-to-satellite Starlink support isn’t here yet, but we’re still hoping for it in the future. Until then, a Starlink Mini strapped to your Tesla’s glass roof remains a solid alternative.
