Are there any software updates or firmware upgrades available for my electric car?
Adopting a new, adjusted mindset when it comes to the maintenance and upkeep of an electric vehicle is important to the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. Discover how you can update your electric car's software and firmware and what these updates mean for your vehicle.
The adoption of electric vehicles (EV) has seen us have to change our approach to certain aspects of the vehicle ownership model. While essentially no different in how they provide mobility, it's the finer details that require a different mindset. Regular recharging, battery conditioning, and simplified mechanical servicing mean that the way we used to treat internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has altered somewhat.
Related: Are there any specific maintenance requirements for electric cars?
EVs rely heavily on digital sources for their operation. In the same way that the humble telephone evolved into the powerful pocket computer, so have vehicles. EVs are no different. Keeping the firmware and software updated ensures that your vehicle operates in the best way possible.
The difference between firmware and software
Firmware and software, while very similar in nature, perform different tasks in a digital device. The firmware is tied closely to the hardware, the actual physical components of the vehicle, and is responsible for the intrinsic operation of these components. Software is generally user-facing and will include applications and how the user interacts with the firmware and hardware.
Firmware can be thought of as a language, while the software is what it discusses. Updating the 'language' with a bigger vocabulary or correcting its grammar allows it to better communicate with the components in the vehicle, allowing improved, more efficient communication.
The software will most often affect things like the infotainment system and digital displays. Updates to applications, like your navigation (including new charging point locations), help improve the user experience. Sometimes, these updates will help with the accuracy of readings or unlock new features for you to utilize.
Updating EV firmware and software
Firmware and software updates allow manufacturers to improve the operation of the vehicle continually. As new developments arise, engineers can roll out new functions and enhance existing ones to allow for a more reliable, effective use of the vehicle. This ensures that vehicle systems are constantly enhanced, offering an improved user experience. This can range from things like battery management, providing improved range, better thermal management to help protect the lifespan of the battery systems, improved safety with better detection and improved situational awareness. There are many reasons to keep the firmware and software up to date.
Thankfully, most EVs are capable of updating their software over the internet. This is known as Over The Air (OTA) updates, and with a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, your vehicle will be able to update the software when new updates are made available. Most EVs will regularly check for updates and will alert you that they are ready to be downloaded and installed. Some will be able to do this without you even knowing it while you're driving. If your vehicle does require you to stop and intervene, it will alert you to the fact. Simply follow the instructions given to you on the infotainment screen.
Firmware updates are a little trickier, and while they too can sometimes be done OTA, most updates will take place at your annual service at the dealership. This is part of your service schedule and will be carried out each time you have your EV serviced.
To check if your car needs an update, you will be able to go into the settings menu on your infotainment screen and manually do a check. There it will tell you if an update is needed and how you should proceed.
