Series 17 – Episode 6 – how OTA updates are evolving for SDVs

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). At the heart of this shift is the increasing reliance on over-the-air (OTA) updates, which allow manufacturers to modify vehicle functionality remotely without requiring a physical visit to a dealership or service centre.

The concept of SDVs is often misunderstood. Alcantara explained: "For some, a software-defined vehicle is simply one that can receive OTA updates. For others, it means hiring a large team of software engineers. But for us, it's about making the vehicle as configurable as possible – even after production – so manufacturers can continuously tweak its behaviour without needing to change hardware."

This philosophy mirrors trends in networking, where software-defined networks have allowed for dynamic reconfiguration. Now, the same approach is being applied to vehicles, enabling new levels of adaptability.

Initially, OTA updates were primarily used for fixing software bugs. However, their role has expanded significantly. Alcantara pointed out that automakers now use OTA updates to enhance vehicle performance, improve emissions, and introduce new features.

Beyond fixes, OTA updates allow manufacturers to refine advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), optimise battery performance in electric vehicles (EVs), and even personalise driving experiences.

Despite the benefits, many automakers struggle with legacy vehicle architectures that were never designed with OTA updates in mind. Alcantara explained: "Older electronic control units (ECUs) were not built to support remote updates. Historically, OTA capabilities were mostly limited to infotainment systems, but today, manufacturers are expanding it across all vehicle components – from ADAS to door modules and even seat controls."

Sonatus is helping bridge this gap by designing solutions from the ground up with flexibility in mind. The company’s OTA platform supports multiple software assets, including firmware, virtual machines, and container-based updates.

With increased connectivity comes heightened cybersecurity risks. Alcantara emphasised that security is a top priority for Sonatus: "OTA updates are a potential entry point for hackers, so strict security measures must be in place. Our updates are encrypted and signed before deployment, making it nearly impossible for unauthorised tampering to occur."

As vehicles become more connected and autonomous, the need for robust cybersecurity will only grow.

Looking ahead, Alcantara sees further integration of OTA technology into the development lifecycle: "A major trend is shifting validation earlier in the process. Many OEMs are using virtualised environments to test updates before they reach real-world vehicles. At CES, we demonstrated an OTA pipeline running on a virtual Android Automotive system in the Cloud – allowing for safer, more predictable rollouts."

The future of software-defined vehicles is one of continuous evolution, with OTA updates playing a critical role in ensuring that vehicles remain efficient, secure, and adaptable long after they leave the factory floor.

To hear more about over-the-air updates, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview on Spotify or Apple podcasts.