Software-Defined Cars May Not Last

The average US vehicle age is 12.8 years, but the long-term repairability and support of software-defined cars are raising questions. These vehicles rely on sophisticated computers and software to control various functions, and can receive over-the-air software updates.

Rivian's Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid said that a software-defined vehicle is 'no longer stale in time' and will continue to improve over time through over-the-air updates. However, Sam Fiorani, senior vice president of vehicle forecasting for AutoForecastSolutions, said 'We honestly don't know how long these vehicles will last' due to potential problems with hardware not being able to deal with new software.

The issue is not new, as seen in 2022 when AT&T shut down its 3G wireless network, leaving millions of vehicles without access to certain features. Tesla also faced a similar problem, having said in 2016 that every vehicle being produced had the hardware needed for full self-driving, but later stated that Hardware 3 vehicles would need upgraded computers and cameras for 'unsupervised' FSD.

Rivian tries to build in spare capability, or 'headroom', to carry 7-10 years of software upgrades, and Bensaid said that only safety or security updates carry an indefinite commitment. The company's commitment is to keep the vehicle functional and safe for as long as the owner owns it.

## Why it matters The rise of software-defined vehicles poses implications for the entire automotive world, with questions about long-term repairability and support. As vehicles become more complex and reliant on technology, the potential for obsolete hardware or discontinued product support raises concerns about their lifespan. With the average cost of a vehicle in the US being nearly $50,000, the uncertainty surrounding the lifespan of software-defined cars is a significant issue for consumers and the industry as a whole.

## What happens next As the auto industry continues to evolve and incorporate more technology into vehicles, it is likely that the issue of lifespan and support will become increasingly important. Companies like Rivian and Tesla will need to balance the benefits of software-defined vehicles with the potential drawbacks, and find ways to ensure that their vehicles remain functional and safe for as long as possible. This may involve building in more spare capability, providing regular software updates, and offering support and maintenance options to owners.