Electric cars are very much like computers. They are so dependent on software that you pretty much need to be an IT guy to repair them. And that is why major car companies like Volkswagen are becoming more software-oriented. Now Volkswagen ID. car family will be getting regular Over-the-Air Updates.
Volkswagen ID. cars from now on will receive regular Over-the-Air Updates to keep their software fresh and safe. Image credit: Volkswagen
It used to be that luxurious materials, powerful engines and comfort features were the most important factors in buying a new car. However, now people are more interested in autopilots, connectivity, infotainment systems, dynamic modes and other similar features. And that’s besides the fact that electric cars need capable software to manage electric motors and batteries. If you know anything about software, you know that it needs to be updated regularly – your computers and smartphones do that all the time. But what about cars?
Well, you could drive to a service centre every couple of months or so. But updates sometimes come unexpectedly, especially after some security bugs are detected. Therefore, another option is preferred – Over-the-Air Updates. Cars are connected to the internet and can download updates whenever they come out. In Volkswagen’s case it will be around every twelve weeks and will keep ID. family cars fresh and up to date. You think it will be weird to update your car? Well, you do that with your smartphone, computer and other connected devices. Some other electric car companies have been offering over-the-air updates for quite a while and people get excited when new features are added to their vehicles.
Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, said: “Vehicles that always have the latest software on board can provide an excellent digital customer experience and are therefore of the utmost importance for our future success. Thanks to regular updates, the car will not just remain up-to-date – it will become even better.”
This is also an opportunity for Volkswagen to become a more software-oriented company rather than just a car manufacturer. People’s idea of what the car needs to do is changing. Now it is not only a simple means of transport. In fact, many city residents don’t even want cars anymore. And those who do own and use cars sometimes need additional services, which Volkswagen will try to provide. Volkswagen sees the potential to generate hundreds of millions in additional revenue over the next few years.
Cars have been computers on wheels for quite some time now. So it makes sense that they will need regular updates. Hopefully, they will come smoothly and software issues will become a thing of the past.
Source: Volkswagen
