The Evolution of Automotive Over-the-Air Updates
Photo by Viralyft on Pexels.com
In today’s increasingly digital world, vehicles are no longer defined solely by their hardware. Instead, software plays a crucial role in shaping their capabilities. One of the most transformative innovations in modern cars is automotive over-the-air (OTA) updates—a technology that allows manufacturers to enhance and refine a vehicle’s software remotely, much like how smartphones receive updates.
How Do Automotive OTA Updates Work?
An automotive OTA update is a wireless software upgrade delivered directly to a vehicle via Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. This process is controlled by the car manufacturer’s device management system, which uploads new software to a cloud-based server. The vehicle then downloads and installs the update, often while parked and turned off.
For electric vehicles (EVs), some manufacturers recommend the car be plugged in with a sufficient battery charge to ensure a smooth update process. Depending on the manufacturer and the nature of the update, installation may take just a few minutes or occur overnight.
What Can Be Updated via OTA?
OTA updates generally fall into two broad categories:
- Drive Control Updates: These enhance a vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and autonomy. Examples include improvements to powertrain efficiency, updates to an autonomous driving system, or enhancements to traction control.
- Infotainment System Updates: These improve the user experience inside the car. Updates might include new applications, map data, UI enhancements, or additional connectivity features.
The Impact of OTA Updates on Modern Vehicles
The ability to update a vehicle remotely is changing the automotive landscape in several key ways:
- Fewer Dealership Visits: Traditionally, software updates required a visit to the dealership. Now, manufacturers like Renault estimate that OTA updates ensure up to 90% of vehicles have up-to-date software—compared to 60% when relying on manual updates at dealerships.
- Vehicles That Improve Over Time: OTA updates free cars from the limitations of their original hardware, allowing them to continuously evolve and improve even after leaving the factory. Manufacturers such as Volkswagen update their ID series models every three months to refine performance and introduce new features.
- Paid Software Upgrades: While many OTA updates are free, some manufacturers are exploring monetisation models. Tesla, for instance, sells different levels of Autopilot, its autonomous driving software, which can be downloaded on demand. This introduces a new revenue stream where customers may purchase or rent specific features instead of paying for them upfront.
The Future of OTA Technology
OTA updates are already reshaping the automotive industry, and their potential is only just being realised. As manufacturers experiment with functions on demand, future vehicles may become even more customisable, allowing users to add or remove software features as needed.
This level of software-driven adaptability means that vehicles could be continually optimised for efficiency, safety, and convenience, reinforcing the idea that modern cars are as much defined by their software as by their mechanical components.
As Automotive over-the-air updates become the industry standard, drivers can look forward to a future where their cars never become outdated—only better with time.
Want more? Click here for The Best Free & Open Source Remote Desktop Solution – Tech Drive Play
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
