OTA Updates Will Give Hyundai Cars More Features In The Near Future

• All Hyundai models to get connected car services globally from 2023. 

• Connected car tech is offered on all Hyundai models in India but limited to higher-spec variants. 

• Hyundai will offer additional features for its cars with feature-on-demand (FoD) service in 2023. 

• New cars based on eM EV platform and eS PBV platforms to debut in 2025. 

Hyundai has made a big announcement about turning its cars into ‘software-defined vehicles’ by 2025. All Hyundai models, whether EV or ICE, sold globally from 2023 onwards will have connected car services that will enable them to get over-the-air (OTA) software updates. With these services, the carmaker, as well as buyers, will be able to add new features to their cars with merely an update.  

What does software-driven vehicles mean? 

Getting OTA updates in a car with connected car tech isn’t a new concept, but Hyundai plans to carry out these updates on a global scale. For now, connected car tech is limited to higher-spec variants in Hyundai’s models in India, but from 2023, we can expect to see it become a standard feature across the range.

Hyundai’s plans will cover both existing and upcoming vehicles. So, if you already have connected car tech (Hyundai Bluelink), your vehicle will still be eligible for updates. 

Moreover, the carmaker plans to introduce the ability to buy new features and add them to your Hyundai car using the connected car services and OTA updation system. With this, you’ll be able to add more features and functionality after purchasing the vehicle. 

The scope to add new features in regular cars is limited for now – for example, you likely won’t be able to add cruise control to your i20 even if it has Bluelink. But cars built on the new EV platform that are equipped with Hyundai’s connected car operating system (ccOS) will have a greater capability to enhance functionality with just a software update. 

New EV platforms in the works 

Hyundai PBV concept render

Hyundai has two new dedicated EV platforms in the pipeline, eM and eS, and the first models based on these underpinnings will debut in 2025. The eM platform will be for all-electric passenger cars, while eS will underpin upcoming purpose-built-vehicles (PBVs) – autonomous electric vehicles with body styles customisable for specific applications. Both platforms will be developed under the Hyundai Integrated Modular Architecture system. 

According to the carmaker, these new platforms will help reduce development and manufacturing timelines significantly, since the hardware and software will be shared between models. 

Hyundai N Vision 74 concept for representation

Hyundai’s upcoming eM platform is projected to deliver a 50 per cent improvement in driving range over current EV models. It’ll be capable of Level 3 or higher autonomous driving capability; Hyundai plans to implement its first Level 3 Highway Driving Pilot as well as an autonomous Remote Parking Pilot system in the Genesis this year. In due course, the carmaker will commercialise Level 4 and Level 5 (fully autonomous) systems in its cars as well. 

Also read: 

• Driver Assistance Technologies And Levels Of Autonomy Explained: Viable For India?

• Hyundai Announces 2030 Roadmap With 17 New Electric Cars In The Pipeline

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 Spotted Testing In India, Possible Launch Soon

In conclusion, you’re in for a treat if you buy or already have a connected car-enabled Hyundai. The cars will rapidly become more smartphone-like in their ability to add features and capability in the near future and upcoming EV models could be more affordable given their reduced complexity.