If you usually only update your cellphone, laptop, or applications on the Play Store, now there's something cooler: electric cars can also be updated! No need to go to a repair shop, no need to replace spare parts. Just sit back, connect to the internet, and... voila! your car can get new features. This is called Over-the-Air Update, or often abbreviated as OTA Update.

If you usually only update your cellphone, laptop, or applications on the Play Store, now there's something cooler: electric cars can also be updated! No need to go to a repair shop, no need to replace spare parts. Just sit back, connect to the internet, and... voila! your car can get new features. This is called Over-the-Air Update, or often abbreviated as OTA Update.

For example, some electric cars like Tesla or Hyundai Ioniq 5 can get updates for the navigation system, automatic AC settings, to safety features like lane assist that are more accurate. In fact, some updates can make the car more battery efficient or make the infotainment screen display cooler. So, your car literally develops like an RPG game character.

Well, the good news is, now there are several electric cars that are officially sold in Indonesia and already support this OTA feature. For example, the Wuling Almaz RS which can be updated via the MyWuling+ application, the Hyundai Kona Electric which supports OTA via the Bluelink system, to the Chery Omoda E5 which embeds the OTA feature via their Internet of Vehicle system. Even brands like Aion offer lifetime software updates! So even though you don't have to buy a Tesla, you can still enjoy the sophistication of cars that continue to develop.

What makes OTA Update interesting is that you don't need to bother going to the repair shop. Everything can be done while the car is parked, usually at night. The update can run automatically, and when you wake up in the morning... tadaa! Your car has been upgraded without you realizing it. There is even a funny term, "the car is sleeping, when it wakes up it becomes more sophisticated."

But don't worry, this OTA process is not haphazard. The update is sent directly from the official manufacturer, and through a multi-layered security system. So, don't be afraid that your car will suddenly be able to watch horror movies by itself. Everything is controlled and monitored with an encryption system, so it is safe from naughty hackers.

Unfortunately, this OTA feature has not been fully utilized in Indonesia. Some EV models sold here do not all support full updates or are still limited to certain system updates. But in the future, this feature will become a new standard in the automotive world. Your car is not just a means of transportation, but like a walking gadget.

Just imagine, you buy a car now, but a year later the car can have an automatic parking feature or voice command, just through an update. You still use the same car, but it feels like using a new version. Very economical, right?

So, if you are looking at electric cars, try asking the dealer: "Does this car support OTA yet?" Because it could be that the "updatable" factor is what will keep your car relevant and cooler for years to come. Today's cars are not just about speed or design, but also about who can continue to develop without having to change the body!