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Just like your smartphone and your laptop, your electric vehicle has to go through a series of updates as well to ensure optimum functionality of your car.
Now, normally one would think, “Do I have to connect my car to the internet using a wire to update my car?” The truth is, you don’t.
You can update your car wirelessly, all thanks to technology commonly called Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Your car’s manufacturer periodically rolls these out to make sure you get the most out of your experience with your car. The best part about these updates is that you can download and install them anywhere, as long as your car is connected to the internet. However, it is important to understand everything about OTA updates before you proceed.
Now, how do OTA updates work? Let’s find out.
All You Need is an Internet Connection
For the updates to download and install in your car, you need to make sure you connect your car to an active and reliable internet connection at home.
For instance, I use an Xfinity Internet connection at home to get OTA updates. I personally have a WiFi extender in my garage for a smooth experience. One thing I like about Xfinity is that I also have access to numerous Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, making it possible for me to update my car even when I’m on the road!
If you don’t have an internet connection, you won’t be able to download the updates in your car, so make sure you have a fast and reliable internet connection.
Understanding How an OTA Update Works
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Previously, when manufacturers had to update software in cars, they would set up service appointments with customers and then use hard-wired connections to provide updates, repair damaged software, install patches to fix bugs, and install new software versions.
This ended up taking a lot of time for the manufacturer and the customer.
However, OTA updates made the process a lot easier, as now all you need is a home Wi-Fi or a cellular network to make sure that your car is updated.
In the process, the companies reprogram the non-volatile memory or “flash chips” inside the subsystems of the cars. So, the OTA update ends up saving you a lot of time rather than having to go to the service center to get your car updated.
Different Types of OTA Updates
OTA is more of an umbrella term consisting of different types of updates with varying functions for your car.
Some of the most common updates include the following:
- Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA)
- Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA)
- Over-The-Air Service Provisioning (OTASP)
- Over-The-Air Parameter Administration (OTAPA)
- Over-The-Air Provisioning (OTAP)
The updates mostly cater to updating your car’s firmware, software, and encryption keys to add a layer of protection to your car’s security system. This way, you can make sure your car works as perfectly as possible, without any hiccups as you drive.
It also makes sure that your car is running on the latest software, which means that the previous bugs have been patched, and every update makes your car’s software more stable. So, if you want to drive with peace of mind and reliability, then you should make sure that your car is updated to the latest software.
Software Isn’t Just for Electric Vehicles
When I say “a car’s software”, I don’t only mean electric vehicles. In fact, conventional vehicles have software in them as well. Cars have a component called the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which consists of all the essential data in the car.
While many of these cars don’t have the option for OTA updates, you should still take your car to the garage to make sure that your software is working fine.
However, do keep in mind that there are some conventional vehicles (such as the Ford Ranger) that receive OTA updates, but these cars aren’t as common as EVs that get regular OTA updates. You will have to check with your car’s manufacturer to see whether your car is eligible to get OTA updates or not.
It would be great to see all conventional motor companies incorporate OTA updates into their system for more security and efficiency. This way, you can save yourself trips to the garage and update your car’s software right from the comfort of your home!
The Process of Updating Your Car
The process of updating your car isn’t rocket science. In fact, it is as easy as ABC.
All you have to do is connect your car’s built-in computer to an internet connection. If you’re at home, it could be your home Wi-Fi, and if you are on the road, you can connect your car to a hotspot or use your cellular network.
However, if you are using your home Wi-Fi, it is necessary to place your router in a place where your garage gets strong internet signals. This way, you can download and install the updates as quickly as possible.
The technology in your car makes it possible for it to be connected to the internet at all times, though, no matter where you are, at any time. The updates are then pushed from your manufacturer to your car via the internet.
This can happen while your car is parked in your home garage or via your cellular network when you’re on the road.
The update pack is then downloaded onto your car’s built-in computer. Once the download is done, the updates are then installed when your car isn’t being used to avoid any unnecessary interruptions. Then, the system makes sure that the updates are validated, and then you are good to go!
The computer reboots itself, and then you can use the car with your new and improved features.
So, there you have it. This was everything you needed to know about OTA updates and how helpful they are for your car. Now all you need to do is make sure whether your car is eligible or not, or just save up for a brand-new electric vehicle!
