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Sounds like a use case for multiple distribution venues, like an added hard media option. That is: the vehicle interface needn’t change but for a software upgr

Sounds like a use case for multiple distribution venues, like an added hard media option. That is: the vehicle interface needn’t change but for a software upgrade that allows complete firmware upgrades through that interface from an “injection”, so to speak when the vehicle becomes... “outdated” or “obsolete”. I understand the first problem with this is all kinds of ugly hacks (breaking existing traffic regulations) a malicious attack vector... but it seems like if you had the option to fix a problem by buying an existing patch for a used vehicle that never had it applied before you bought it [and after the vehicle had been discontinued] then you’d have something of a continuance model at least. I’m sure there are other holes in that thought, but I think it should be workable technologically—my concern would be the business end that decides it’s detrimental to profit margins and whatever exponential growth may have been promised. (Ie: “they should just buy a new car”) Your comment is the first time I’ve ever heard this very real problem. I’m sure it’s been promoted before and I’m curious to know how you came to it, and how it differs from other modern vehicles that also use systems-critical software.

manigandham 7y ago
It's not unique to Tesla. All modern cars have connectors which over-the-air updates just ride on top of. The issue is manufacturers not creating updates and limiting access with proprietary equipment for delivering those updates. This is all done to force consumers to buy new or only go to the manufacturer for repairs (for as long as they're offered). They won't even sell parts, tools or schematics for you to even attempt it on your own and are starting to cut out independent shops too. This issue is widespread in other industries from farm equipment to consumer electronics. Mechanical components are easily reverse engineered and have tons of aftermarket and independent shops, but this is magnitudes harder with digital devices and software, especially without access to any of the original equipment and diagrams. It's like trying to rebuild a computer chip by looking at nothing but the motherboard it's placed on. Practically impossible. Consumers want a "right to repair" (which is the name for a lot of the legal bills pushing for access) but it's unfortunately not getting much political support due to lobbying. For more info, check out Rich Rebuilds [1] who repairs salvaged Tesla's and is starting his own independent shop. There's also Louis Rossman [2] who repairs Apple devices and has updates on the recent legislation for personal devices. 1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV0_wbjG8KJADuZT2ct4SA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV0_wbjG8KJADuZT2ct4SA 2. https://www.youtube.com/user/rossmanngroup https://www.youtube.com/user/rossmanngroup

manigandham 7y ago

It's not unique to Tesla. All modern cars have connectors which over-the-air updates just ride on top of. The issue is manufacturers not creating updates and limiting access with proprietary equipment for delivering those updates. This is all done to force consumers to buy new or only go to the manufacturer for repairs (for as long as they're offered). They won't even sell parts, tools or schematics for you to even attempt it on your own and are starting to cut out independent shops too. This issue is widespread in other industries from farm equipment to consumer electronics. Mechanical components are easily reverse engineered and have tons of aftermarket and independent shops, but this is magnitudes harder with digital devices and software, especially without access to any of the original equipment and diagrams. It's like trying to rebuild a computer chip by looking at nothing but the motherboard it's placed on. Practically impossible. Consumers want a "right to repair" (which is the name for a lot of the legal bills pushing for access) but it's unfortunately not getting much political support due to lobbying. For more info, check out Rich Rebuilds [1] who repairs salvaged Tesla's and is starting his own independent shop. There's also Louis Rossman [2] who repairs Apple devices and has updates on the recent legislation for personal devices. 1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV0_wbjG8KJADuZT2ct4SA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV0_wbjG8KJADuZT2ct4SA 2. https://www.youtube.com/user/rossmanngroup https://www.youtube.com/user/rossmanngroup