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Tesla Does OTA Update via Cellular to Address Safety, Maintenance Issues

By Paula Bernier June 18, 2014

Tesla is a pioneer in using over-the-air updates to address safety issues, according to Dominique Bonte of ABI Research, who spoke with M2M Evolution magazine yesterday.

Remember a few months ago when reports surfaced that some Tesla cars were catching fire? Instead of doing a recall, Bonte says, Tesla provided an over-the-air update to the vehicles via the cellular network. The update involved setting a trigger in the vehicles that increases suspension settings when the cars go out on the freeway, he said.  

Most car manufacturers would be reluctant to do an over-the-air update for that kind of thing, he adds. In the current environment of millions of cars being recalled, he says, most would rather be more conservative. But Tesla is showing that over-the-air updates are an option that can help prevent, or at least address, safety issues, he says.

Using telematics and over-the-air updates to address safety issues and avoid recalls makes perfect sense.

Image via Shutterstock

Tesla is also leveraging over-the-air software updates for more general maintenance purposes, and advertising that it’s doing so to its customers, Bonte says.

An acquaintance of Bonte who has a Tesla, mentioned recently that the engine light on his car lit up, and before he got a chance to do anything he got a call from Tesla, which told him not to be concerned and that would address the issue immediately with an over-the-air software update. That’s the kind of thing that builds customer loyalty, says Bonte.

“That’s the kind of amazing service level” companies can deliver using tools like over-the-air updates, he adds.

It’s a little like what happens when you have an issue with a smartphone, he continues. If there’s something wrong, the user is prompted to do a software upgrade. Someone is monitoring what’s going on with the smartphone, and if there’s a problem, someone will fix it.

However, Tesla is unique in its willingness to use an over-the-air cellular update to address important safety issues, Bonte adds.

“You’re dealing with a car, which is a more critical device than a phone.”




Edited by Maurice Nagle
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Executive Editor, TMC

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