One of the benefits of EVs is the wealth of new and updated features that can come with software updates. Primarily but not exclusively an EV thing, updates can add new features, improve existing ones, and fix bugs. They can also be used to address safety concerns.
As this is an EV blog, we’ll be focusing on that context, so let’s look at the importance of EV software updates, how they work, and how you can get them. Here’s a beginner’s guide.
What are EV software updates?
EV software updates are just like software updates for your computer or phone. They are used to fix bugs, add new features, and improve existing ones.
EV software updates are important because they can improve the performance of your vehicle. They can also fix bugs that could cause safety problems.
What Are OTA Updates & How Do The Work
OTA software updates are typically delivered over-the-air (OTA). This means that you can download and install them without having to take your vehicle to a dealership.
To install an OTA update, you will need to connect your vehicle to a Wi-Fi network. Once your vehicle is connected, you will receive a notification that an update is available. You can then choose to install the update or not.
What if my EV’s manufacturer doesn’t offer OTA updates?
To get EV software updates when you’re not prompted automatically about them, you will need to contact your vehicle manufacturer. They will be able to provide you with instructions on how to download and install the updates. Sometimes this can be a download from their website to a USB stick so that you can self-install; sometimes you’ll need to go old school and pay them a visit.
The importance of EV software updates
EV software updates are important for several reasons. Firstly, they can improve the performance of your vehicle. For example, a software update could improve the efficiency of your battery, which could lead to an increase in range.
Next, software updates can fix bugs that could cause safety problems. For example, a software update could fix a bug that could cause your vehicle to lose power while driving.
Thirdly, software updates can add new features to your vehicle. For example, a software update could add a new navigation system or a new entertainment system.
Also, some manufacturers make it a warranty condition and some insurers make it an insurance condition, that you keep your car’s software up to date.
A little bit of confusion: when a “vehicle recall” is solved by an update
The term “vehicle recall” is sometimes used in the context of EV software updates. However, a vehicle recall is not the same as a software update.
A vehicle recall is a safety measure that is taken when a manufacturer discovers a defect in a vehicle. The manufacturer will then recall the vehicle and fix the defect for free.
Some of these safety-critical defects can now be resolved through a software update. Obviously it depends on the issue. However, that doesn’t stop some media outlets reporting that tens or hundreds of thousands of vehicles are “being recalled” when in reality they “are being sent a software update”. Semantics, but it grabs the headlines for whatever reason.
How To Improve Your Electric Vehicle’s Battery Performance
EV software updates are an important part of owning an EV. They can improve the performance of your vehicle including battery management for improved battery , fix bugs, and add new features.
If you own an EV, be sure to check with your manufacturer to see how they deploy software updates. You should also sign up for your manufacturer’s email list so that you can be notified when new updates are available.
