OTA (over-the-air) updates are usually meant for bug fixes and adding new features, but it seems some Chinese EV makers may have taken that idea in the wrong direction.
Chinese regulators are looking into complaints from EV owners who say their cars lost driving range and charging performance after receiving OTA software updates. At the same time, several major automakers, including BYD, Xpeng and Nio, have denied reports claiming they were officially summoned by authorities over the issue.
I just hope Europe won’t end up facing the same problem.
What is “battery locking”?
The term “battery locking” is being used in China to describe software changes that affect how an EV battery works. These updates are usually installed remotely through OTA updates, without the need to visit a service center.
Some owners claim their vehicles now offer much less driving range than before. According to reports from Chinese media, certain EVs that previously delivered around 500 km of range dropped to below 300 km in daily use after software updates were installed. Other drivers also reported slower DC fast charging speeds.
Why would automakers reduce battery performance?
Battery management systems are designed to protect the battery and improve long-term durability. Carmakers sometimes adjust charging speeds, battery temperature management or usable battery capacity to reduce wear and improve safety.
In theory, these changes can help batteries last longer over time. However, the problem starts when owners are not clearly informed about what the update changes or how it could affect the car’s performance. That appears to be the main reason why regulators are now paying closer attention to the issue.
Automakers deny being summoned
Reports circulating online recently claimed several Chinese EV brands had been summoned by regulators because of OTA battery management practices.
Companies including BYD, Xpeng, Nio, Tesla, Zeekr and Aion denied those claims. Some brands described the reports as false or misleading information spreading online. So far, there is no official confirmation that any automaker has received penalties related to the situation.
The investigation comes at a time when China is introducing stricter rules for OTA software updates in connected vehicles. According to Chinese media reports, regulators want automakers to be more transparent about software changes that affect battery performance, charging speeds or vehicle range. The updated rules are also expected to limit silent OTA updates installed without clear owner approval.
Software is becoming a bigger part of EV ownership
Modern EVs rely heavily on software. Just like I said in the first sentence, OTA updates can improve infotainment systems, add new functions or fix technical issues without requiring a workshop visit.
But software can also change how a vehicle performs long after it leaves the factory, and that creates new questions about transparency, customer rights and how much control automakers should have over vehicle functions after purchase. The ongoing investigation could become an important example for how regulators around the world approach software-defined vehicles in the future.
Featured Image Credit: KrAsia
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