Tesla OTA Software Update: Size, Duration, and Impact

Tesla owners are familiar with the over-the-air (OTA) software updates that come with their vehicles. These updates are designed to enhance the performance, add new features, and improve the overall user experience. However, many are often curious about the size of these updates and how long the installation process takes. In this article, we explore the details of Tesla's OTA software updates, including their size, installation time, and the impact they have on the car's functionality.

Types of Tesla Software Updates

Tesla vehicles can receive various types of software updates, each serving a different purpose. Here are the main types:

Infotainment System or Firmware Updates: These updates are relatively small in size and typically take between 20 minutes to an hour to complete. They improve the functionality of the in-car entertainment system and other internal systems. Navigation Map Updates: These updates can be more extensive, especially if they involve downloading large map datasets. The installation time can range from 30 minutes to several hours. Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: These are comprehensive updates that can range in size from 500 MB to 1.5 GB or even larger. They are installed using the car's Wi-Fi or cellular connection and can take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the update size and the vehicle's internet speed.

Tesla OTA Update Process

Tesla uses an over-the-air (OTA) system to deliver software updates directly to the car. The update process typically involves the following steps:

Download: The car downloads the update in the background when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Depending on the update size and internet speed, this can take anywhere from 1 to 90 minutes. Installation: Once the download is complete, the car will shut down to install the update, which typically takes about 25 minutes. During this period, the car cannot charge, drive, or perform any other functions. Notification: Tesla will notify the owner when the update is ready to install, providing instructions on how to proceed with the installation.

Owners can choose to set the installation time or initiate it immediately. This flexibility ensures that owners can choose a convenient time for the update to take place, minimizing disruption to their daily routines.

Impact of Tesla OTA Updates

OTA updates significantly enhance the functionality of Tesla vehicles. Regular updates often introduce minor improvements and new features, while larger updates can offer substantial upgrades. Here are some examples of what owners can expect from recent Tesla updates:

Minor Updates: These typically include language additions, user interface improvements, and minor feature enhancements. For example, recent updates have added Norwegian to the available languages and improved automatic driver identification and settings. Major Updates: Significant updates, like the Version 10 upgrade, introduce new features such as: The ability to tell your car to drive out of a parking space across a parking lot and to stop where you're standing Additional video game options The ability to watch Netflix and YouTube on the car's screen while parked The ability to surf the web from the car's screen Audio Streaming Options: Enhanced audio streaming services Screen Layout Improvements: Better screen layouts for various tools

While similar in some ways to upgrading software on a PC, the OTA update process for Tesla is often more engaging and offers more significant improvements that users enjoy. Each update is a chance to try new features and enhance the driving experience.

Finally, it's important to note that update frequency can vary. In the four weeks after purchasing the vehicle, there have been three minor updates and one major update, highlighting the ongoing improvements and additions to the vehicle's capabilities.