That's imo a right to repair issue. We can build easily diagnosable and easily fixable hardware. Big Corps just don't
If we have a right to repair here, we also need to see how to handle liability here. If you flash your own software on the motor controller and subsequently mow through a group of people because you forgot to do a plausibility check on the accelerator pedal value who takes responsibility then?
Even if you just get the original software, how do we ensure you flash it correctly?
If you get the schematics, how do we know used the right parts that are rated for 125°C temperatures.
The EPA can suggest all it wants. Holding one entity liable for the actions of an entirely different entity beyond the control of the former's is asinine, and I can guarantee you these automakers will gladly sic their armies of lawyers at a Supreme-Court-bound case and/or their armies of lobbyists at legislatively castrating the EPA if the EPA made any such attempt.
On top of that, the EPA is virtually irrelevant for EVs, and yet EVs are just as locked down (if not moreso), so I don't buy the "EPA might punish us" argument for that reason, too.
Why people want to trade off power for a big cloud of black smoke is beyond me, but there we are. If they want to get 50bhp from a nine litre engine, that's their concern.
Who is liable if you tweak the software on your 2023 Mercedes? The same person who is liable if you tweak the hardware on your 1987 Chevy. There's plenty of precedent on how to deal with this.
I would, obviously, for making the unsafe modification. In what multiverse would the manufacturer be liable for something entirely outside the manufacturer's control?
What can a mechanic not do to a modern car with the standard scan tools and training? Most old school mechanics still lack the training to work on computers, but those that have that training have no problem fixing cars.
Well first of all that happens even under the current draconian anti repair setups already and secondly thats a felony. Just because you can do sth illegal doesn't mean we should child proof our whole society so you can't do anything anymore just because someone MAY do something illegal.
We still allow you to buy knifes, in some places even guns.