OTA updates (Over-the-Air updates) are remote software or firmware updates delivered to connected devices without on-site visits. In EV charging, OTA updates typically refer to updating an EV charger’s firmware, modem/router configuration, or connected controller software via a CPMS (often using OCPP) or a vendor device-management platform.
What OTA updates can include
OTA updates in charging infrastructure commonly cover:
– Charger firmware (control logic, UI, payment/authorization behavior)
– Communication stack updates (OCPP stability, TLS/cert handling improvements)
– Security patches and vulnerability fixes
– Bug fixes for metering, session handling, connector locking, error recovery
– Feature additions (smart charging functions, diagnostics, new protocols)
– Modem/router settings (APN profiles, VPN config) where managed centrally
– Certificates and credentials updates (especially relevant for secure OCPP setups)
Why OTA updates matter
OTA updates are essential for operating chargers at scale:
– Improve uptime by fixing known defects and stability issues
– Reduce field service visits and lower OPEX
– Address cybersecurity risks faster through patching
– Keep interoperability working with CPMS changes and roaming requirements
– Enable controlled rollout of new capabilities across a fleet of chargers
Typical OTA update workflow
A mature OTA process usually includes:
– Version planning and release notes (what changes, why, compatibility)
– Testing on a pilot group or staging environment
– Scheduled rollout windows to reduce operational impact
– Automated health checks after update (connectivity, transaction start/stop, metering)
– Rollback or recovery procedures if issues occur
– Update reporting and audit logs for compliance and troubleshooting
Risks and considerations
OTA updates must be managed carefully because they can affect many sites at once:
– Failed updates can temporarily take chargers offline
– Inconsistent connectivity can interrupt updates and cause partial states
– New firmware may change behavior (tariffs display, session timing, fault handling)
– Certificate or security changes can break connectivity if mismanaged
– Multi-vendor fleets require careful compatibility and version control
Security best practices
– Use a secure update pipeline with signed firmware and integrity checks
– Distribute updates over encrypted channels (TLS)
– Restrict who can trigger updates using RBAC and MFA
– Maintain audit logs (who approved, who initiated, which devices, when)
– Validate vendor provenance and supply chain security for update packages
– Monitor post-update anomalies (offline spikes, session failures, repeated faults)
Common pitfalls
– Rolling out to the entire fleet without phased testing
– Updating during peak utilization periods
– Lack of rollback strategy and recovery tooling
– Poor communication to site hosts and support teams
– No change control, making root-cause analysis difficult when issues appear
Related glossary terms
OTA control
Firmware lifecycle management
Firmware updates
Secure update pipeline
CPMS
OCPP
Uptime
Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)
Network segmentation
Cybersecurity audits