Chevy Bolt to feature over-the-air software updates

Cleantechnica

In keeping with its “next-gen” status, the Chevy Bolt will feature the ability to upgrade system software “over the air” as Tesla does with the Model S and the Model X (and Apple, etc., do with your smartphones, tablets, etc.). This information is based on comments made recently by GM exec Pam Fletcher at the Citi 2016 Global Technology Conference.

chevy boltThis is in contrast to the situation in many current models, whereby vehicles need to be taken into the shop to have the software upgraded. The over-the-air approach simplifies things greatly for both owners and manufacturers — making quick fixes a possibility when needed, rather than having to rely on physical recalls when issues pop up.

Though, it’s unclear how much this would be the case in practice with regard to the Bolt, as previous comments by execs inferred that safety-critical systems wouldn’t be updated over the air.

Here are some select quotes from Fletcher (coming to us via “Breezy” on the GM Voltforum):

“Good question, so DC fast charging you get about 90 miles in 30 minutes.

“Yes over-the-air programming, and so the Bolt EV will have over-the-air software download capability.

“…we take (cyber security) very seriously and we really wanted to get where we have got all necessary safeguards in place to do so that we would do over the air programming safely and securely and so that will come out on the Bolt EV.”

It’ll be interesting to see what the company ends up deciding to update over the air. Simply infotainment systems? Will the company move towards the rollout of adding new features over the air?

Overall, this seems to be a great move. As our first electric car report noted, many consumers have a strong preference for over-the-air updates. They are certainly easier and more time efficient for customers.

Source: Cleantechnica. Reproduced with permission.

Comments

5 responses to “Chevy Bolt to feature over-the-air software updates”

  1. Kenshō Avatar
    Kenshō

    Remote firmware and software updates are also happening within microprocessor controlled RE devices like monitoring equipment and inverter/chargers. This enables the hardware platform to be developed before the software is written for new features.

  2. Miles Harding Avatar
    Miles Harding

    Yesterday, I would have said that the traditonal car companies are light years behind Tesla (and your smartphone) when it comes to over the air updates and management.

    The GM comments haven’t swayed my from this viewpoint. They are talking ‘capability’ and ‘programming’, while Tesla is more in the territory of real-time telemetry and treating the vehicles as a swarm so that the many learn from the experiences of the few.

  3. David leitch Avatar
    David leitch

    My guess is the Chevvy Bolt is being underestimated. It will be on the market at least a year before the model 3 and has similar price, range and performance characteristics. Prototypes are already out with the auto press industry and initial reports are favourable. Tesla has a history of being late with delivery. The big question in my mind is will the Bolt be sold in Australia? And if so when?

    1. Brunel Avatar
      Brunel

      How will the Bolt be recharged.

      On my residential street, about 5-10 luxury cars are not garaged every night!

      I am talking BMW, Merc, Lexus, Genesis.

      Imagine how many cheap cars are not garaged across AUS.

      So we really do need pay to use HVDC plugs along main roads.

  4. Robert Comerford Avatar
    Robert Comerford

    I guess unless GM changes its mind and provides a right hand drive version, charging in Australia will be a moot point.

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