The Model 3 is equipped with an interior camera located just above the rear-view mirror, as noted in a TMC thread.
Electrek confirmed with Tesla that the Model 3 is equipped with a camera, but it will only become active after future software updates. No further details were provided.
TMC Member WK057 noticed the camera in an image, which he shared to Twitter.
Am I the only one that noticed the @TeslaMotors #Model3 has a camera above the rear-view mirror facing inside the car? @elonmusk's #SpyCam?😂 pic.twitter.com/WYQnRwmklG
— Jason Hughes (@wk057) August 1, 2017
Speculation is that the camera will monitor driver engagement, a requirement to achieve level 3 autonomous driving where the driver is a backup when there’s a need to transfer controls. There’s also talk that the cameras will be leveraged for Tesla Network, a ride-sharing business that would enable Tesla owners to monetize their car as part of an autonomous taxi fleet.
Photo:Â @wk057