No Stupid Questions

Oh no:
It is theoretically possible to replace the operating system of an electric car with an open-source or custom alternative, similar to flashing a custom ROM on Android smartphones. However, in practice, this comes with significant challenges. Here's an overview:

Theoretical Feasibility

1. Hardware Compatibility:

   • Electric vehicles rely on specific hardware components (e.g., control units, sensors, actuators) that are tightly integrated with the operating system.
   • A custom operating system would need to understand and control this hardware. However, the underlying hardware specifications (APIs, protocols) are often proprietary and not publicly available.

2. Software Architecture:

   • Modern electric cars use highly complex software architectures that include real-time operating systems, safety-critical systems, and user-facing interfaces.
   • A replacement OS would need to handle safety-critical functions (like braking and steering) as well as infotainment features.

3. Open-Source Efforts:

   • There are initiatives like Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), which aim to create open-source software for vehicles. However, these are typically designed for automakers and not readily available for end-user modification.

Practical Challenges

1. Safety Risks:

   • Operating safety-critical functions such as braking, propulsion, and battery management requires certified software.
   • Modifying the software introduces safety risks, which can have serious consequences, especially on public roads.

2. Legal Barriers:

   • Many countries mandate that vehicles operate only with approved software to ensure compliance with safety and emissions regulations.
   • Modifying the vehicle's software could result in the loss of roadworthiness certification.

3. Technical Restrictions:

   • Manufacturers often use encryption and digital signatures to protect access to the vehicle's software.
   • Replacing the operating system would require bypassing these security measures, which could be legally and technically problematic.

4. Lack of Community Support:

   • Unlike smartphones or PCs, there is currently no large-scale community actively developing user-friendly open-source operating systems for electric vehicles.

Examples from Practice

• Some enthusiasts and hackers have managed to modify software on vehicles like Tesla cars to add custom features or access internal data. However, these projects remain experimental and risky.
• Initiatives like Comma.ai focus on creating aftermarket autonomy systems, demonstrating the challenges of modifying or replacing existing systems.

Conclusion

Replacing the operating system of an electric car is theoretically possible but practically extremely difficult due to legal, technical, and safety-critical constraints. While it could be an exciting project for hobbyists and developers, any modifications would likely render the vehicle unfit for legal road use in most jurisdictions.