Ford's upcoming all-electric Mustang Mach-E will receive over the air (OTA) software updates that work to continuously improve the SUV over its life without the need to visit a dealership.
Unlike some vehicles that require owners to wait while a software update takes place, the automaker claims to have developed a way to allow secure updates to download in the background, and in some cases, be completed in under two minutes.
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These improvements go beyond Sync updates. Almost all computer modules can be updated wirelessly so the automaker can provide performance enhancements and entirely new features that might not exist when customers first take delivery of their vehicles.
Some installations will be virtually invisible to customers, who can select a regular time – such as the middle of the night – for updates while the EV is parked.
Many updates will be completed almost instantly after a customer starts their vehicle while in vehicle alerts will tell them what improvements have been installed.
Many can be completed in under two minutes while more complex updates that might require the vehicle to be parked for longer can be scheduled for when most convenient.
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By GlobalDataFord expects to deliver its first updates within six months after the first vehicles are in the hands of customers.
Owners will receive notifications detailing software updates when they are available, which can then be applied using either Wi-Fi or cellular connections, depending on the update.
This year, Ford will begin equipping most redesigned vehicles in the US with advanced over the air update capability for wireless upgrades that can help enhance quality, capability and improve ownership experience while reducing dealer trips.
Engineers have found new ways to develop and test OTA updates in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Previously, teams would have to get together in the same physical space to access all the different vehicle modules needed to test OTA capabilities but work from home requirements mean engineers needed to think fast to change the way they operate.
The team moved swiftly to set up remote access to all of the vehicle modules, even wiring them with tools enabling engineers to quickly reprogramme modules from their homes.
What initially took five hours to programme remotely can now be done in under 10 minutes.
