Author: Mr. Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer and Head - High Voltage Programs, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.
The electric vehicle (EV) sector has witnessed a profound transformation driven by significant technological advancements, propelling rapid growth even amidst the pandemic. By September 2023, EV sales have already breached the 1 million mark, accounting for 6.4% of total automobile sales in India – this is significant considering this milestone took a full year to achieve in CY 2022, compared to the nine months of CY 2023.
Advancements in lithium-ion batteries have made EVs more practical, while over the air (OTA) updates have revolutionised vehicle performance and user experience. Similar to how smartphones evolved, OTA updates have seamlessly integrated into the automotive industry, allowing continuous improvement without physical intervention. This technology, which creates dynamic and ever-improving platforms, is expected to gain even more significance as vehicles become increasingly connected and software-dependent.
The shift toward "software on wheels" is driven by rapid technological advancements, stringent safety regulations, environmental concerns favouring EVs, competitive pressures, and consumer demand for enhanced user experiences. These factors have made software central to vehicles, surpassing older analogue approaches and paving the way for tech-heavy automobiles.
Unlocking New Possibilities:
Traditional vehicle updates involved inconveniences like scheduling appointments, waiting, and leaving vehicles at service centres, often relying on physical recalls. OTA updates have transformed this for EVs. They allow remote enhancements, issue identification, performance fine-tuning, and feature additions, ensuring optimal performance without owner inconvenience. These updates fine-tune the Battery Management System (BMS), improve real-time charging efficiency, and enhance regenerative braking for greater energy efficiency in EVs.
In addition to these benefits, for significant updates for features like Navigation on Autopilot, Smart Summon, enhanced battery and charging, upgrades for the infotainment, and improved safety and performance in EVs, the customer doesn’t need to visit a physical service centre. This not only cuts emissions and fuel consumption but also enhances fuel efficiency and emissions control, aligning with the global push for a greener automotive industry. Automakers are leveraging this format of pushing updates to their vehicles to achieve these reductions in carbon footprint and improve vehicle sustainability.
Customer Experience:
Over the air updates have revolutionised the EV ownership experience, delivering convenience, personalisation, and safety enhancements. Owners no longer require physical visits to service centres, saving valuable time and effort. Automakers utilise these updates to offer extensive customisation options, empowering customers to fine-tune settings such as regenerative braking and climate control for a personalised driving experience. Furthermore, OTA updates bolster safety through the introduction of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and robust cybersecurity measures, instilling confidence in the EV's safety and reliability. Importantly, these updates have the ability to retain the value of the car through feature upgrades, unlocking features that were previously unavailable – akin to a mobile phone receiving its regular software updates.
From an automaker's perspective, OTA updates translate into significant cost savings. They eliminate the need for manual labour by service technicians, streamlining the update process. This approach proves highly effective in addressing frequently occurring and costly issues within subsystems, ensuring optimal vehicle performance and reliability. These factors, when combined, underscore the profound and transformative influence of such updates on the EV industry, leading to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty while delivering an enhanced driving experience.
The Road Ahead for EVs
OTA updates are steering the course for the future of EVs, ushering in a new era of adaptability and intelligence on the road, with innovations that enhance safety, efficiency, and the overall driving experience. Vehicles are no longer just machines, but intricate software ecosystems that receive regular updates, much like smartphones. This transformation is not science fiction but a tangible reality. The convergence of digital and mechanical engineering is redefining vehicles, shifting them from mere machines to adaptive platforms.
This paradigm shift goes beyond traditional automotive roles, with industry reports projecting substantial growth in software and connectivity in vehicles, expected to reach a global market value of over $81.6 billion for software-defined vehicles by 2027. As a result, vehicles are evolving into intelligent and responsive companions for modern drivers.
The future of transportation goes beyond traditional ideas of horsepower and design aesthetics, representing a paradigm shift towards the fusion of technology, data, and over-the-air updates. Digital components seamlessly integrate with traditional automotive engineering, ushering in a new era with challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Software-defined vehicles have evolved from a visionary concept to a tangible reality, reshaping the entire automotive landscape.
Published: 2 December, 2023 | Financial Express
