Over-the-air updates: Always up to date
We are familiar with over-the-air updates because of our smartphones. This method has also been used for a long time to keep modern cars up to date. Digitalisation opens up countless new opportunities.
Vehicles went from being hardware-defined to software-defined a long time ago. In the past, parts like the sports exhaust or the leather steering wheel could be retrofitted manually. Today, special equipment, such as ambient lighting, special lighting systems or sat nav functions, can be added directly to the vehicle's display. The key concept is: over-the-air updates (OTA). The technology makes it possible to activate additional convenience and security features; the customer decides what to add, and usually has to pay for it.
Over-the-air updates to the vehicle architecture
However, over-the-air updates using WLAN or a mobile phone network have one main purpose: providing the specific vehicle and its numerous control units with the latest software. For example, the engine management system, exhaust gas aftertreatment, thermal management, and various assistance or infotainment systems can be updated without going to a vehicle workshop. This can help with troubleshooting and also with optimising the relevant systems, just like with smartphones.
Therefore, the vehicles do not need to go to the workshop, unless safety-related work is required where specialist staff need to check the hardware and software. There, diagnostic testers are also frequently used for updates called "pass-thru updates". This is common practice in vehicles that do not have a wireless update function. A vehicle must also be taken to a workshop if there is an official recall.
The over-the-air update is complete. Manufacturers must always ensure data integrity.
However, many customers visit the workshop as soon as they see "An update is ready" on the display, just to be on the safe side. Sometimes, they also do this because they want clarification and transparency, which each vehicle manufacturer must guarantee.
By the way, in future, software updates are likely to enable even deeper interventions in the vehicle architecture. Systems controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) are constantly optimising themselves using vast amounts of collected data
How over-the-air updates work
For over-the-air updates, the vehicle establishes a secure connection to the relevant manufacturer's server via WLAN or the mobile phone network and using an encrypted Internet connection. Appropriate security measures ensure that only authorised updates are installed. The updates are downloaded in the background, usually when the vehicle is parked. Vehicle owners must be notified when an update is available or they can actively agree to "automatic updates" in advance via the operating display.
How secure are over-the-air updates?
Modern vehicles are increasingly networked, which increases the risk of third-party access, i.e. cyber attacks. Manufacturers must therefore ensure that over-the-air updates are secure against manipulation and unauthorised access. This requires multi-level authentication processes and end-to-end encryption.
As mobile networks are not always stable, for example, updates are sometimes cancelled. Data integrity must therefore be guaranteed in order to avoid errors. This is stipulated by the EU Directive R156 (software updates), which, from July 2024, will apply to all new vehicles sold. According to the directive, the vehicle manufacturer must in any case ensure that the software is installed securely and that manipulation and unauthorised access are prevented.
HELLA shows what is possible in vehicle customisation, working with premium manufacturer Audi. An entirely new lamp concept has been developed for the new Q6 e-tron. The front lighting not only achieves adaptive light functions, such as glare-free high beam. It also has a digital daytime running light matrix that enables end users to select their preferred digital light signature for the daytime running light from up to eight preset designs. This makes the Matrix LED lamps highly customisable. The daytime running light designs created by the manufacturer, also include specially customised coming home/leaving home emphasis. End users can select the designs via a software-based app or the multi-media interface (MMI) of the all-electric Q6 e-tron, depending on their preferences.
Over-the-air updates: What's next?
Car software updates offer countless advantages and are essential for the (predictive) maintenance and improvement of modern cars. Challenges faced in software development are technical in nature, but user behaviour among vehicle drivers or unforeseen circumstances also play a role. Vehicle manufacturers are therefore continually working on improving their update processes. To rule out errors from the outset, they work hand in hand with system specialists like HELLA. To conclude: Our cars are getting constantly smarter, more intelligent and safer – thanks to over-the-air updates!