Your Volvo Gets Better Over Time: A Guide to Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

Modern vehicles function increasingly like smartphones on wheels, receiving software improvements that enhance performance, add features, and fix issues without visiting a dealership. The Volvo EX30 and other new-generation Volvo models support Over-the-Air (OTA) updates that deliver these improvements wirelessly through built-in connectivity systems.

This technology addresses a common concern among early adopters of software-defined vehicles: what happens when new models have initial software quirks? Rather than waiting for recalls or service visits, OTA updates provide continuous improvements that enhance the ownership experience long after leaving the dealership.

Understanding OTA Technology

Over-the-Air updates function similarly to smartphone software updates, delivering improvements through the vehicle's built-in cellular or Wi-Fi connection. These updates can address infotainment system performance, optimize energy management systems, and enhance safety software without requiring physical visits to service centres.

Volvo implemented OTA capability across its global lineup starting in 2021, with Canadian consumers receiving automatic downloads via mobile data or Wi-Fi connections. Installation typically requires less than an hour and often occurs when the vehicle is parked and not in use.

EX30 Update Examples

The EX30, Volvo's newest fully electric SUV, demonstrates how OTA updates address early software concerns while adding new functionality over time. As with most software-defined vehicles, early adopters may have noticed minor issues, such as interface lag or connectivity bugs, which improved through regular updates.

Recent EX30 OTA improvements include enhanced charging optimization that reduces charging times and improves battery longevity, refined stability control software that enhances traction management, and expanded driver recognition features in the infotainment system that provide more personalized settings.

These updates arrive automatically without cost to owners, ensuring the vehicle continues improving throughout the ownership experience.

Update Categories and Benefits

Infotainment Improvements: Updates enhance Google built-in functionality, improve voice recognition accuracy, and add new app compatibility for streaming services and navigation features.

Safety System Updates: Software improvements can enhance existing safety features, improve sensor calibration, and occasionally add entirely new safety functionalities through system updates.

Performance Optimization: Powertrain software updates can improve acceleration smoothness, enhance regenerative braking efficiency in electric models, and optimize fuel economy in hybrid variants.

Connectivity Enhancements: Updates improve smartphone integration, enhance over-the-air navigation data, and expand compatibility with new mobile device features.

OTA Update Process

The update process operates similarly to smartphone software updates but with additional safety considerations for automotive applications. Updates download in the background during normal vehicle operation, then install when the vehicle is parked and not in use.

Most updates complete installation within 30-60 minutes, with the vehicle's systems automatically restarting to implement improvements. Critical safety updates may install immediately, while convenience features often wait for appropriate installation windows.

Volvo Model OTA Capabilities

Long-Term Value Creation

OTA updates extend vehicle technology lifecycles by keeping systems current with evolving standards and user expectations. Unlike hardware-limited vehicles of previous generations, modern Volvo models can gain substantial functionality post-purchase without additional cost.

A Volvo purchased in 2025 may offer significantly enhanced features by 2027 through accumulated software improvements, creating long-term value that traditional vehicles cannot match.

Canadian Consumer Preferences

Recent surveys indicate nearly 70% of Canadian EV buyers expect ongoing software improvements as part of vehicle ownership, viewing OTA capability as an essential feature rather than a convenience addition.

This expectation aligns with smartphone experiences where regular updates provide security patches, performance improvements, and new functionality throughout device ownership periods.

Installation and Connectivity

OTA updates require reliable internet connectivity, either through the vehicle's built-in cellular connection or Wi-Fi networks when parked. Most updates download during regular driving periods, then install during parking sessions to avoid interrupting vehicle operation.

The system prioritizes critical safety and security updates while scheduling convenience improvements during optimal installation periods. Vehicle owners receive notifications about available updates and installation progress through the infotainment system and mobile apps.

Managing Update Preferences

Volvo vehicles allow owners to customize update preferences, choosing automatic installation for all updates or manual approval for non-critical improvements. This flexibility accommodates different user preferences regarding technology adoption and update timing.

Critical safety and security updates typically install automatically regardless of preference settings, ensuring vehicle safety systems remain current with latest software improvements.

Future Update Capabilities

As software-defined vehicle technology evolves, OTA updates may eventually add features that seem impossible at purchase time. Advanced driver assistance capabilities, new infotainment applications, and enhanced connectivity options can appear through software updates rather than hardware replacement.

This capability transforms vehicle ownership from a static technology experience to an evolving platform that improves over time, similar to smartphone ownership patterns.

Contact our sales team at Volvo Cars Oakville in Oakville to secure your new Volvo with OTA capability and discover how software-defined vehicle technology creates lasting value throughout your ownership experience.