Chevrolet Silverado owners could make fewer trips to dealerships as General Motors develops a new central computing system designed to expand over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The technology aims to let compatible vehicles receive software improvements remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits to install certain updates.
Although GM vehicles already support OTA updates, the current system has limitations. The company’s electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles use different software configurations, creating fragmentation that the new architecture is intended to address.
GM Plans to Expand Over-the-Air Updates
General Motors is developing a central compute system that will make remote software updates available to more vehicle systems. The new architecture is intended to unify vehicle software and expand the number of functions that can be updated remotely.
For owners of compatible vehicles, the system could eliminate some dealership trips specifically for software installations, making it easier to receive certain updates without leaving home.
The goal is to significantly reduce the number of software-related issues that require a dealership visit by allowing more updates to be completed over the air.
The central compute system is also expected to support new vehicle features, including an AI reboot of OnStar, LMR-powered battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and autonomous driving capabilities for GM’s upcoming vehicles.
Dealership Visits Will Still Be Necessary
Expanded OTA capabilities will not eliminate the need for dealership service. Owners will still have to visit dealerships for maintenance and repairs involving worn-out or damaged hardware.
Software updates cannot resolve physical problems such as a ruptured airbag or a broken windshield. Routine maintenance, including oil changes, will also remain separate from remote software updates.
Instead, the goal is to reduce the need for in-person software installations by allowing updates to reach more vehicle systems remotely.
New Computing Architecture Targets 2028
GM’s new central compute system is scheduled for 2028. The architecture will combine multiple modules into a unified system, giving the automaker greater flexibility to deliver more extensive OTA updates.
The new system is expected to offer more capabilities than current vehicle computing systems. Its central computing architecture, combined with dozens of different modules, is designed to significantly expand the range of functions that can receive OTA updates.
The design is intended to reduce the fragmentation associated with using separate electronic control units (ECUs) to manage different vehicle functions. A more unified architecture is expected to support the development of additional vehicle features.
GM Targets 40 Times More Computing Power
General Motors is designing the new architecture and its software to deliver 40 times more computational power than current systems. That additional capacity is intended to support more advanced vehicle functions and more extensive remote software updates.
The development effort has been underway since 2019. GM’s goals remain focused on delivering a more powerful computing system for its vehicles and expanding the capabilities of OTA updates.
The planned system could allow compatible future Chevrolet Silverado models and other GM vehicles to require fewer dealership visits for software updates, while continuing to rely on in-person service for maintenance and hardware repairs.
