Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a one time purchase, they are continuously evolving machines. One of the most exciting aspects of owning an electric car is the ability to enhance its performance through software updates. It is very important to know how electric vehicles can gain more range and improved capabilities without any physical modifications, simply through a software update. In this post, we’ll know how electric cars get more range and features from a software update.
The Basics of Over-the-Air Updates
Many electric cars, mostly Teslas, have launched the concept of over-the-air software updates. This allows manufacturers to push improvements directly to your vehicle, enhancing features and fixing bugs without requiring a trip to the dealer. While many updates focus on infotainment systems or minor software errors, others can significantly enhance performance metrics like range and acceleration. But how do they achieve this? Let’s talk about in this post.
Understanding Battery Management Systems
The first key component of range enhancement is the battery management system (BMS). The BMS is responsible for monitoring the health and performance of the battery pack. It keeps track of energy capacity and ensures that individual cells within the pack maintain similar voltage levels. Essentially, it prevents overcharging and deep discharging, extends the battery life.
When manufacturers initially set the BMS parameters, they often play it safe, especially with new battery chemistries. If, over time, they determine that the battery can safely deliver more energy, a software update can unlock this additional capacity. This means that your vehicle can potentially access more range without any hardware changes.
Improvements Through Thermal Management
Temperature is another critical factor in battery performance. The BMS works closely with thermal management systems to maintain optimal battery temperatures. By adjusting the thermal settings via software updates, manufacturers can reduce internal resistance, which directly impacts efficiency. This means less energy is wasted as heat, allowing your car to use more of its stored energy for driving.
How Extra Range is Achieved?
So, how is it possible for Tesla and other automakers to increase range through software updates? There are a few main key factors that we need to understand to see how electric cars get more range through a software update.
- Battery Management System (BMS)
- Motor Controller
- Throttle Remapping and Regenerative Braking
- Auxiliary Power Systems
- Air Conditioning
- Heated Seats and Steering Wheels
- Aerodynamic Adjustments
1. Battery Management System (BMS)
The BMS is crucial for maintaining battery health. It ensures that individual cells operate at similar voltages and prevents overcharging or deep discharging. Initially, automakers may set conservative limits on battery capacity. However, as data accumulates, software updates can unlock this hidden capacity without risking damage to the battery.
2. Motor Controllers
The second major component affected by software updates is the motor controller. Think of it as a dimmer switch for your car’s throttle. The controller translates the position of the throttle pedal into three phase alternating current waveforms that drive the motor. By tweaking the software that controls this process, manufacturers can alter how power is delivered to the motor, enhancing its efficiency and performance.
3. Throttle Remapping and Regenerative Braking
Throttle remapping is another fascinating aspect. By adjusting how responsive your car is to throttle input, manufacturers can optimize energy expenditure. For instance, making the throttle more sensitive during acceleration can help drivers achieve better range. Similarly, software tweaks to regenerative braking can significantly enhance efficiency. If set too harshly, the car may lose energy converting kinetic energy into electricity. If too soft, it may rely on traditional brakes and waste energy. These settings can lead to great improvements in range.
4. Auxiliary Power Systems
Electric vehicles also have auxiliary systems that draw power from the main battery. These include lights, radios, and other electronics powered by a DC to DC converter. Software updates can improve how these systems operate, ensuring they don’t drain the battery unnecessarily. For example, ensuring that these systems go into sleep mode when the car is off can significantly reduce power drain and preserve more energy for driving.
5. Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can consume a significant portion of energy, around 2-3% of the total battery capacity in ideal conditions. In extreme temperatures, this can increase dramatically. By optimizing how the HVAC system operates and which parts of the vehicle are cooled or heated, manufacturers can improve overall energy efficiency. This means more power is available for actual driving instead of climate control.
6. Heated Seats and Steering Wheels
Interestingly, using heated seats and steering wheels can be a more efficient alternative to heating the entire cabin. This can further contribute to range improvements, especially in colder climates.
7. The Aerodynamic Adjustments
Finally, let’s talk about the aerodynamics. Some electric vehicles come equipped with active shutters, spoilers, and air suspension systems that can be adjusted through software. By changing the position of these components based on speed or driving conditions, manufacturers can reduce drag and improve efficiency. Lowering the car closer to the road, for instance, can significantly enhance its aerodynamic profile.
Conclusion
A software update can unlock more range and efficiency in electric vehicles without the need for physical changes. From battery management systems to motor controllers and auxiliary systems, the potential for improvement is immense. As manufacturers continue to refine their software capabilities, we can expect to see even more exciting advancements in the electric vehicle market.
Hi. I’m Sahariar Ahmed. I’m passionate about Technology, Automobile, and Electric Vehicle (EV). I’ve done my graduation in Mechanical Engineering from Daffodil International University. I love content writing and exploring tech products.
