littlD
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2021
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 220
- Reaction score
- 259
- Location
- Saint Peters, MO
- Vehicles
- 2018 Tesla Model 3 LR RWD, Tesla Model Y LR AWD
- Thread starter
- #1
All,
With the recent technical bulletin ( 21- 2091 25 March 2021 ), I thought it would be good to try and clear up some confusion.
You may be wondering... why do I have to take my car into the dealership for this technical bulletin, I thought the MACH-E gets software updates over the air (OTA)?
The Mach-E does indeed support OTA updates for SOFTWARE today. The Verge has also shared this recently:
"The automaker communicated to the Verge once more that a wireless software update will be available “later this year” for Ford Mach-Es that have been affected by the problem. "
So, in the future, your Mach-E can have its firmware also updated via OTA.
But what's the difference between software and firmware?
For most EVs, "software" simply refers to the interface that interacts with the driver via the touch screen. This includes but is not limited to:
1. Navigation and Maps
2. UI/UX (User Interface / User Experience)
3. Voice commands
4. Battery range and charging display
5. Climate Control
"Firmware" refers to computer code that controls a specific physical module in the car. AFAIK, these are some examples in the Mach-E:
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Secondary on-board diagnostic control module (SOBDM)
• Battery energy control module (BECM)
• Secondary on-board diagnostic control module B (SOBDMB)
• Secondary on-board diagnostic control module C (SOBDMC)
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Once Ford adds the ability to update firmware via OTA, you shouldn't ever have to stop by the dealership for these updates.
And yes, Tesla has supported Firmware updates at least since I got my Model 3 in 2018. They reprogrammed the Anti-lock braking via OTA after Consumer Reports discovered a problem within a few days after finding it.
To date, Porsche's Taycan only supports software updates, firmware has to be flashed by a dealer. I'm not sure about other manufacturers.
So... Ford will have another great feature in the near future to make your Mach-E experience even better!
And I hope this post explains the situation a little better.
With the recent technical bulletin ( 21- 2091 25 March 2021 ), I thought it would be good to try and clear up some confusion.
You may be wondering... why do I have to take my car into the dealership for this technical bulletin, I thought the MACH-E gets software updates over the air (OTA)?
The Mach-E does indeed support OTA updates for SOFTWARE today. The Verge has also shared this recently:
"The automaker communicated to the Verge once more that a wireless software update will be available “later this year” for Ford Mach-Es that have been affected by the problem. "
So, in the future, your Mach-E can have its firmware also updated via OTA.
But what's the difference between software and firmware?
For most EVs, "software" simply refers to the interface that interacts with the driver via the touch screen. This includes but is not limited to:
1. Navigation and Maps
2. UI/UX (User Interface / User Experience)
3. Voice commands
4. Battery range and charging display
5. Climate Control
"Firmware" refers to computer code that controls a specific physical module in the car. AFAIK, these are some examples in the Mach-E:
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Secondary on-board diagnostic control module (SOBDM)
• Battery energy control module (BECM)
• Secondary on-board diagnostic control module B (SOBDMB)
• Secondary on-board diagnostic control module C (SOBDMC)
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Once Ford adds the ability to update firmware via OTA, you shouldn't ever have to stop by the dealership for these updates.
And yes, Tesla has supported Firmware updates at least since I got my Model 3 in 2018. They reprogrammed the Anti-lock braking via OTA after Consumer Reports discovered a problem within a few days after finding it.
To date, Porsche's Taycan only supports software updates, firmware has to be flashed by a dealer. I'm not sure about other manufacturers.
So... Ford will have another great feature in the near future to make your Mach-E experience even better!
And I hope this post explains the situation a little better.
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