The advanced touchscreen technology that features in most new cars is very popular with customers. The systems are getting more powerful and easier to use all the time.
They are also able to be constantly updated. This is done through software updates, which are delivered ‘over the air’. Your car can often be upgraded to the latest system without visiting a dealer. Some updates happen remotely. But for others, you might still need to visit a dealer.
It’s similar to mobile phone technology. Smartphones receive updates through the cellular network that update them to the latest software ‘version’. This is done without visiting a mobile phone shop. EV software updates work in the same way.
You may not have heard about EV software updates, but the technology has been around for a few years now. It was proven to work in luxury cars first. Now, it has filtered down to the mainstream motors available on the Motability Scheme.
I’ve tested numerous electric cars over the years that have received software updates. The systems guide you through every step, so it’s nothing to be daunted by. Going ahead with an EV software update also really improves a car. In this article, Richard Aucock* explains what EV software updates are and how they work.
- What is an EV software update?
- Can my car receive an EV software update?
- How does an EV software update work?
- Why do some software updates need to be done by a dealer?
- What is it like to have an EV software update?
- Where can I find out more details about software updates?
- EV software updates summary
What is an EV software update?
A software update is where the computing technology of your car is improved. The car will not physically change, but will be better to use in lots of ways. Software updates can add new features, improve existing ones, and help iron out any bugs or other issues.
EV software updates allow car manufacturers to fix critical issues or bugs really quickly.
You do not have to do anything in order to be alerted about an available software update. A pop-up message will often appear on the central screen. This tells you what ‘version’ the car’s software will be upgraded to, and some of the key benefits it will bring.
You have the choice of pressing a button and installing the software update there and then. It will tell you how long the update will take. If you are in a rush, you can choose to install the update later, at a more convenient time.
It is important to note that EV software updates are free. You do not have to pay for them. The car manufacturer arranges them as part of supporting its cars on the road.
Can my car receive an EV software update?
Most modern new cars can receive EV software updates. You may receive an email, a notification in the app or on the touchscreen, or even a letter in the post that an EV software update is available.
It is important to be aware of EV software updates. As mentioned, they sometimes include crucial safety updates. It is recommended you install an EV software update as soon as is convenient. This means your car will always be fully up-to-date.
Generally, new EV software updates are available every few months.
How does an EV software update work?
All modern cars have built-in communication modules. These include built-in 4G or 5G SIM cards, and Wi-Fi networks. It means cars are always ‘online’ and connected to the internet.
A software update will be made available to the car through this connection. When you click the screen and ‘accept’ a software update, the download will begin. Usually, this will happen in the background, meaning you can still drive the car while it downloads.
EV software updates use the car manufacturer’s data plan, not yours. You won’t have to pay to download them. Some cars can download the software update package automatically, so you don’t need to wait before beginning the installation process.
When it comes to installing the EV software update, the car cannot be driven. This is similar to how you cannot use your mobile phone while it is updating. Installing a software update takes around 60 minutes. It is a good idea to install it when you know you won’t need to use the car. Many people install them overnight.
Once an EV software update has been successfully installed, the car will check everything is working correctly and automatically reboot its computers. It will then send you confirmation. This can be via email, through the car’s smartphone app, or simply via a popup on the screen. Your updated and improved car is now ready to drive and enjoy!
Why do some software updates need to be done by a dealer?
Sometimes, you will be asked to visit a dealer for a software update. This is where the systems update is more extensive, requiring oversight from a dealer technician. They will plug in a computer and update the car that way, rather than doing it over the air. Owners will be contacted by email or letter to arrange this dealer visit.
Safety updates can require a visit to the dealer too. However, they are rare, and car manufacturers these days are focusing on utilising over-the-air software updates instead. Usually, dealer software updates can be done while the car is in for its annual service. This is much more convenient for drivers.
What is it like to have an EV software update?
I have run several cars that have received EV software updates while I’ve owned them. Usually, I was alerted to the availability of a software update through a pop-up alert on the car’s touchscreen. This gave me the choice of downloading it immediately, or waiting until I was back home.
The EV software updates themselves are really simple. I just clicked ‘accept’. The car told me how long it would be until it was ready to use again, so I locked it and left it outside my house.
When I returned, a pop-up message told me the update was complete and the car was ready to drive right away. On several occasions, I was excited to discover the new features that were available. One software update even unlocked extra range for the EV battery, meaning I had extra miles for each full charge. A very welcome EV software update indeed!
Where can I find out more details about software updates?
When a car maker alerts you about a software update available for your car, it will often include a link to find out further information. Many brands also have dedicated EV software update sections on their websites. You can type in your car’s registration number and it will tell you the latest software version available for your car.
Your owner’s manual will give model-specific information about software updates. And sometimes, brands will include online videos so you can watch the process of an EV software update before doing it yourself.
EV software updates summary
- EV software updates are the modern way of keeping your car up-to-date and free from bugs
- They allow cars to be updated ‘over the air’ without having to visit a dealer
- EV software updates are free
- Your car will automatically alert you when an EV software update is available
- They are easy to install and the car’s touchscreen will take you through it step-by-step
- You can still drive your car while a software update downloads
- Installing an update can take around 60 minutes and you won’t be able to drive your car until it’s complete
- Those who have installed EV software updates say the process is easy
Learn more about EVs and how they work
We know switching to electric vehicles can feel new.
Remember, you’ll get the same all-inclusive package as you would with a petrol or diesel car. We’ll cover your insurance, servicing and breakdown. And when you lease an EV on the Scheme, you’ll get a home chargepoint and standard installation or a subscription to the bp pulse network of public chargepoints included in your lease.
Sign up for our helpful email series to learn more about EVs.
Richard Aucock has been a professional motoring writer since 1998. He’s written about the car industry for the Motability Scheme since 2009. He has many key roles in the motoring world, including the UK juror for AUTOBEST, a juror for the World Car Awards, and Vice Chair of the Guild of Motoring Writers. Richard is also the director of Motoring Research, a leading UK publisher in the industry.
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