One possible disadvantage of the EV revolution is that those who like modifying and tuning their automobiles will be unable to do so. Instead of carefully tuned engines, electric cars rely on lines of code and software, and instead of only a component to improve performance, you’ll need computer access and codes. Automakers possess the keys to the codes, and many choose to guard them jealously. Dodge, another popular modifying manufacturer, has said that it would also keep EV performance tweaks in-house. According to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, alterations will be accessible solely via the company’s Direct Connection Program, according to Muscle Cars & Trucks.
“We don’t want to lock the automobiles and say you can’t change them,” Kuniskis explains. “All we want to do is lock them and say alter them via us so we know it’s done correctly.” Kuniskis says that the company would rather spend time developing improvements for consumers than dealing with hackers.
These performance enhancements were on display at SEMA with the Charger Daytona SRT Concept and SRT Banshee EV powerplant. Dodge displayed three power levels for each output, as well as two performance improvements made possible by the brand’s new Direct Connection Program.
Kuniskis added a new term to the Dodge group and programme: Crystals, which refers to the performance levels of the Banshee EV powertrain. For example, the base powerplant with 456 horsepower may be upgraded with a Stage 2 Crystal to 535 hp. It also contains a crystal key for the dash, which gives us video game level-up feelings.
Crystals are customised for each car and are linked to the VIN and ECM. “Because we want to funnel everything via our control, and we want to funnel everything through our Direct Connection and Power Broker programme to support that body of people, to make sure that we’re managing everything that occurs in these automobiles,” Kuniskis said.
This is significant since Kuniskis said that Dodge wants complete control over the vehicle’s improvement. As EVs grow increasingly common, the phrase might herald the end of tuning. However, it seems like Dodge is just following in the footsteps of other manufacturers by instituting charges for performance or feature upgrades in order to generate a little additional profit. Dodge is definitely not the first, and is unlikely to be the last, to adopt that posture and strategy.
