Car Software Updates Still Lag Behind Tesla's Prowess
Despite years of effort and significant investment, the world's automakers have yet to match Tesla's impressive track record in delivering over-the-air (OTA) software updates. According to Jean-Marie Lapeyre, Capgeminis CTO for automotive, Tesla has issued an astonishing 42 updates within six months, a feat that few other manufacturers can claim.
Lapeyre notes that traditional car companies have been slow to adopt OTA technology, with many only issuing updates once a year. "For them, software remains just one bolt-on component among many," he explains. In contrast, Tesla and other digital-native automakers like Rivian, Lucid, Polestar, and Chinese brands such as BYD, Xpeng, and Xiaomi have made software development an integral part of their business.
The story begins in 2010 when General Motors introduced OTA functionality for its OnStar telematics system. However, it was limited to infotainment tweaks, not the comprehensive updates that Tesla has become known for. GM's early adoption was a precursor to the industry-wide shift towards software-driven vehicles, but the pace of progress has been sluggish.
Lapeyre attributes the disparity in OTA capabilities between traditional and digital-native automakers to fundamentally different approaches to software development. "For Tesla, it's almost the whole shebang," he says. "They've made software an integral part of their business, whereas for others, it's still just one component among many."
Industry experts point out that the lack of progress in OTA technology has significant implications for consumers. "If you're a car owner, you want to know that your vehicle is getting regular updates to ensure its safety and performance," says Lapeyre. "But if those updates are infrequent or unreliable, it can lead to frustration and mistrust."
As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards greater software integration, there are signs of improvement on the horizon. Companies like Volkswagen and BMW have announced plans to increase their OTA update frequency, while startups like NIO and XPeng are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities.
In conclusion, while Tesla remains the gold standard for OTA software updates, other automakers are slowly catching up. As the industry continues to shift towards greater software-driven innovation, it's clear that consumers will reap the benefits of more frequent, reliable, and comprehensive updates in the years to come.
Sources:
Jean-Marie Lapeyre, Capgeminis CTO for automotive
Industry experts and company announcements
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*Reporting by Wired.*
