EV Tech Explained: How Do OTA Updates Work?

Don’t we all geek out on the latest software for our smartphones and personal computers? After all, these updates bring us a bunch of new features and improvements without having to buy a new model. Now, these Over-The-Air (OTA) updates are something that we quite often hear about when talking about electric vehicles too. But ever wondered how these updates work and what exactly do they do to your EV? Well, here’s everything you need to know about OTA updates:

Why Do We Need OTA Updates?

Just like smartphones, premium EVs these days pack a whole lot of features which ensure proper functioning of the vehicle. Along with good hardware, software plays a major role in ensuring a vehicle's performance and safety. The recent cases of Ola Electric scooters going in ‘Reverse’ mode randomly is a prime example of how crucial software programming is in an EV.

Having the “privilege” of OTA updates means you don’t have to go to the service centre if there’s any software issue with the EV and you can simply get your EV looked after remotely.

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Types Of OTA Updates

Software Over The Air (SOTA)

These are (relatively) simple updates that modify the software that governs any physical or electronic aspect of the vehicle. SOTA updates are more commonly used for interfaces like instrument console or navigation. 

Firmware Over The Air (FOTA)

This is a slightly complicated OTA update that could change the way your vehicle behaves. We are talking about improved range, more performance, altering how the power is delivered. And for obvious reasons, we see less of those.

To put these in perspective, SOTA is something like a security patch or bug fixes or minor feature update on your phone whereas FOTA updates are more like completely new operating system that would demand more time to install.

How Do These OTA Updates Work?

OTA updates are delivered remotely using the company’s cloud-based server. The updates are then downloaded using a WiFi or a cellular connection. The downloaded software package is then installed automatically, much like we see on our laptops or smartphones.

One of the most recent examples is Ola Electric’s upcoming MoveOS 2.0. This firmware update will potentially pack all the features that were showcased during the launch, but didn’t roll out to customers. We hope this update also fixes the reverse mode issue with the S1.