[Eli5] How can software updates in Electric Vehicles “unlock” more range. Isn’t range something that should be determined by the efficiency of the hardware?

Question

[Eli5] How can software updates in Electric Vehicles “unlock” more range. Isn’t range something that should be determined by the efficiency of the hardware?

In: 7

Answer 1

I don’t have a specific answer, but all aspects of battery usage are likely controlled by software. So improving the software could, for example, make acceleration control “smarter” in ways that use less energy. Regenerative braking could be improved, or climate control systems, etc. be fine tuned. This would all be within the physical limits of the hardware already installed.