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When your smartphone's manufacturer needs to fix the product's operating system, it sends out an update, which can be automatically downloaded and installed. If you own an electric vehicle, you'll also similarly receive notice about software updates designed to improve the vehicle's performance. Buggy software is one of the most common problems with EVs , and these software updates should fix such issues.

One way that some EV manufacturers deliver these software or firmware updates is through over-the-air updates; others may require you to visit the dealership instead. An OTA update occurs wirelessly. Even if you plug in your EV at night to recharge the battery, you don't have to also plug in an Ethernet cable or a USB flash drive to receive OTA upgrades.…