Electric car myth: The tech of an EV becomes outdated really quickly
How old is your mobile phone? Probably a few years old, or you don't change your mobile phone every year, even though a new version comes onto the market. That's because updates keep your mobile phone up to date.
It's exactly the same with used electric cars. Tesla started doing it on a large scale, and now everyone is doing it: over-the-air updates. Your car's technology is constantly being updated and improved wirelessly. This can range from infotainment and the touchscreen to driving dynamics. Because this happens automatically, wirelessly and usually free of charge, you don't have to go to the garage. Nice! Saves time and hassle. Just like Gowago!
Find out everything you need to know about over-the-air updates and what happens during them in this chapter.
Myth 5: A used electric car is already technologically outdated.
In short:
Quite the contrary. Electric cars are actually evolving rather than becoming obsolete thanks to over-the-air updates. And these are usually free for electric cars.
These updates are noticeable. They not only affect the infotainment system, but can also significantly improve driving dynamics and even performance.
Manufacturers such as Tesla, Polestar and Hyundai regularly release updates that improve efficiency, driving dynamics, range and comfort.
Used electric cars benefit from the latest technologies just as much as new cars: without visits to the garage and without extra costs.
Used electric cars get better over the years.
In the morning, you get into your electric car and something feels better. And then you see on the centre console: ‘Update installed’.
Overnight, the manufacturer of your electric car has updated your car to the latest version. You haven't lost any time or money in the process.
‘Thanks to wireless updates directly from the manufacturer, electric cars always remain up to date.’
Many manufacturers provide free software updates on an ongoing basis, which can be downloaded and installed directly and wirelessly from your
car. These updates are also known as ‘over-the-air’ updates. The benefits of this extend not only to your infotainment system, but also to safety systems and even the driving experience.
This is a great advantage for you as a used car buyer. Thanks to these updates, your electric car feels like new, even though it already has a few thousand kilometres on the clock.
What is improved with an ‘over-the-air’ update?
Technically speaking, an electric car is much less complex than a petrol or diesel car. This also means that software updates to your car can make much more far-reaching improvements without a mechanic having to get their hands dirty. Or you having to spend money.
Your car simply becomes smarter, more dynamic and more enjoyable to drive.
What can you expect from an over-the-air update?
Manufacturers such as Tesla, Polestar, Hyundai, VW, etc. release updates regularly. These updates can do much more than just fix minor bugs:
- Optimised energy management & range: Updates improve battery management and recuperation. This increases efficiency and gives you more kilometres per charge.
- Improved driver assistance systems: Lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control systems become more precise and safer. This means your car helps you even more reliably in everyday life.
- Adjustment of drive and steering: The drive settings or steering characteristics can be adjusted. The driving experience becomes sportier, more comfortable or more direct.
- Increased comfort through software: The chassis and suspension can also be modified through updates, making your car smoother on the road.
- Fixing bugs and adding new features: OTA updates often bring new features (e.g. better navigation system or entertainment) and make the car more user-friendly.
As an example: Over-the-air updates at Tesla
Tesla is the absolute leader when it comes to improving cars via wireless updates. The features they install increase safety and user-friendliness exactly as you would want them to – without you even realising that you wanted them.
More than 50 updates have been released so far in 2025. Here are the coolest and most useful ones:
- AI integration: You can now talk directly to Grok, xAI's intelligent assistant, in your car.
- Child in car detection: If an unattended child is detected in the Tesla, the car automatically activates warning signals (lights, sound, app notification) until you return and take them with you.
- Supercharger Live Status: With this update, you can track the status of your car's charging live on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Alternative Route Planner: With this update, you can choose between different route options. Take either the fastest route, one with as few charging stops as possible, or one with stops near attractions or highly rated restaurants.
- Location-Based Boot Opening: Do you have a garage with a low ceiling? Now you can set your boot to not open fully at home, so you don't scratch the tailgate.
- FSD (Full Self-Driving, supervised) v13.2.9: New end-to-end upgrade of the driving network with faster processing, better route planning and optimised collision avoidance, soon to be available in Switzerland.
Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Teslas
Tesla may be the most active car manufacturer when it comes to over-the-air updates. But they are not the only ones ensuring that your electric car is up to date and constantly evolving, even as a used car. And that's the cool thing about electric cars. Oh yeah!
With Gowago, you drive a better used electric car
We are fed up with half-truths and lack of transparency when it comes to used cars – especially used electric cars. That's why we give you full transparency. With a Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Electric Car, you ALWAYS get a tested car with a battery certificate and at least a 12-month warranty. The battery and drive system come with at least a 3-year warranty on exclusive offers. Wow.
Discover Gowago Certified Pre-Owned Electric Cars
Summary: Electric cars improve constantly thanks to updates
With electric cars, a few years on the clock doesn't mean stagnation, but progress. Thanks to regular over-the-air updates, you get new features, improved safety and often even a more dynamic driving experience – without having to visit the garage or incurring additional costs. Tesla, Polestar, Hyundai and others are constantly delivering innovations directly to your car, whether new or used. So your used car not only stays modern, it actually gets better over time – and continues to give you as much pleasure as it did on the first day.
Let's debunk the other myths! Let's Go.
That was just one of many myths surrounding used electric cars.
There are several other preconceptions that persist – but have little to do with the facts. Discover the other myths now and find out why a used electric car is often the better choice.
To the overview of electric car myths
