Fixing Recalls with Over The Air updates

Teslas are computers on wheels so it makes sense that they were the first to offer updates to their vehicles over WiFi. Their cars are capable of upgrading their firmware (the operating software stored in the onboard computer) remotely, via the app or in-car, without you having to take it into a service centre. This has been a huge benefit for the company, not just in avoiding countless hours of labour and freeing appointments for other issues, but also eliminating the customer's hassle of having to take their vehicle in and wait whilst it's done.

Most of our internet connected devices like to ask for an update once in a while, so why has it taken so long for cars to catch up? For such a huge investment, they've remained relatively disconnected from the technological era. The truth is that what Tesla have developed is not a cutting-edge idea, Netflix, Spotify and console gaming have been around for years, so why have they never been available in a place that a lot of us spend a significant amount of our time?

Lack of competition may be one answer, with nobody else pushing forward and steady sales coming in, what incentive is there to create something extraordinary? The real question is 'why not'? Wouldn't our lives be much more enjoyable having an intelligent machine making transportation easy and fun? Unsurprisingly, of course they would and it's sad to see the lack of innovation in such a huge market as the auto-industry. However, now the pressure is on and everyone is being forced to play catch-up to electric, to smart driver-assist features and to Over The Air updates.

OTA has provided a method for Tesla to keep their product fresh, with regular fixes, interface improvements or redesigns, and new functionality. You receive a notification within the app when one is available:

If you park your car at home and connected to your WiFi, it will automatically download and you'll be prompted when you'd like to install it, this of course may be scheduled over night since the car is undrivable during the process which usually takes around 25 minutes. It really couldn't be easier and the excitement of seeing an incoming upgrade, guessing what new, cool options you'll have to play with or aesthetics to enjoy even gives Apple a run for their money.

Not to mention entertainment, as they're currently working on a Steam integration which will surely make many gamers extremely happy. Of course the timeline has slipped, but it’s nice to know it’s not forgotten:

Although it's unclear if only the refreshed Model X & S will be capable of running this with their superior computer hardware, perhaps Model 3 & Y owners will get to take advantage of it too and play some less-demanding titles, fingers crossed!

It's a very nice feeling to know that the community's feedback is being listened to, there are many occasions of owners contacting Elon to request certain functionality and he will usually respond, more often than not agreeing that it's a good idea and the team will look into it. Take Joe Mode as an example:

An often overlooked, but extremely pertinent benefit is the fact that they are able to address a large portion of their 'recalls' entirely remotely. Glossing over the fact that the word implies that it must be physically sent to a place to be fixed, and it's clear the terminology needs some refinement since it's association with serious manufacturing defects sends a very different message to the general public. When in fact it may just be a bug that's removed, or oversight of an edge case that requires handling, just like a new version of Android or IOS on your smartphone, it’s constantly evolving.

While most manufacturers get lumbered with having to book in all affected customers for a service appointment that takes hours and wastes everybody's time, Tesla can fix a surprising amount of issues with simple code changes that are delivered to affected customers usually before they even realise there was a problem.

Note: All recalls for listed automakers from Jan. 1, 2020 through Feb. 17, 2022. Recall remedy had to mention OTA or remote software update option, otherwise was counted as physical recall

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls by Manufacturer

In the case of the recent heat-pump incident where a problem was found when a vale could get stuck due to ice build-up, resulting in a loss of heating, a software fix was developed and provided in just a month or so, with no booking, travelling or waiting required. Naturally these things shouldn't happen and it doesn’t excuse the fact that many people faced a serious problem with their car, but they inevitably do with all brands (notable mention to GM's disastrous battery fire saga) and when they do, it's hugely important to be able to identify and fix the issue in the shortest possible time and with the minimum of effort. This method helps ensure that it gets distributed rapidly where needed, and lives are not left at risk of a serious safety concern.

The data clearly shows who the leader is in this field, even ignoring the amount, the proportion tells the real story and despite having massively fewer instances of requiring a recall, empowering customers to be able to install it themselves as soon as they're able could literally be a lifesaver. Surely it's just a matter of time before all cars are required to be able to perform this operation, as it's clearly in everybody's best interest.