The electric car is here to stay. Although its incorporation into the Spanish vehicle fleet is progressing at a slower pace than expected, there is growing interest on the part of consumers and a gradual push towards the adoption of this sustainable technology. In 2023, the sale of electrified passenger cars and vans – one hundred percent electric and plug-in hybrids – in our country increased by 38.6% compared to the previous year, reaching 139,185 units, in line with sector forecasts.
Although the electric car is, above all, a means of transportation, its evolution follows a trend similar to that of the mobile phone, which has gone from being a simple device for making calls to becoming a multifunctional smart device. Similarly, the electric car does not only stand out for its zero-emission propulsion, but is also undergoing development towards the integration of advanced technologies.
In this parallel with the smartphone and other mobile devices, the electric car also has technology that allows updates. In this way, users have the ability to keep their cars up to date with the latest technological advances or enjoy greater performance by updating the software of the control unit that manages all the vehicle’s electronic systems.
This function, which some manufacturers already offer for certain models of their vehicles in their catalogue, makes it possible to optimize energy efficiency, improve safety and adapt the vehicle to the changing needs of drivers.
It represents a step forward towards a more personalized, efficient and safe driving experience, since the user can choose at any time the configurations and features that best suit their preferences by paying an additional fee associated with these features.
Thanks to an OTA (Over The Air) software update system in the cloud, users will be able to choose the configuration of their car whenever they want, paying an amount of money in return, as if it were a subscription that they can activate and cancel whenever it suits them. It is a ‘win-win’ business model since, on the one hand, it allows the user to personalize their driving experience and, on the other, it generates a constant flow of income for the manufacturers that offer these advanced options.
The progressive implementation of this OTA update system opens the possibility for manufacturers to choose to lower the price of electric cars with the aim of increasing sales and compensating for the reduction in income with the implementation of subscription models or fees associated with them. updates. It is important to note that many vehicles, regardless of their power, share similar engines. The difference between them lies in the way in which the modification is carried out, which in some cases is possible to obtain through a paid update.
Before brands began to offer extra features to increase engine power, correct errors or solve security problems, online updates were limited to the GPS and infotainment systems. That is, they focused on updating the dashboard interface and, in particular, allowed the navigation maps to be kept updated.
However, today, with the evolution towards more comprehensive updates and the possibility of customizing and improving various vehicle functions, manufacturers can consider strategies that promote accessibility to electric cars.
The services most requested by users include features to increase engine power, correct faults, improve safety and, in general, optimize performance and the driving experience.
