By Latha Chembrakalam
With the advent of Software-defined Vehicles (SDVs), the automotive industry is undergoing a momentous transformation.
The time is here when the software will be the main differentiator for people to buy vehicles.
Benefits of the SDV
Earlier an upgrade in the infotainment system or telematics required a visit to the dealer for updating or refreshing the software. In the SDV, the upgradation of security patches, monitoring, and tuning of the core functional capabilities of the vehicle including powertrain and vehicle dynamics can be done by over the air updates (OTA). The vast amount of continuous data that the vehicle manufacturers receive gives them an update on the aspects of the performance of the vehicle. This further helps them to define better features and build deep connections with the consumer network.
SDVs have the potential to significantly reduce the number of accidents on the road. With human error accounting for 95% of all road accidents, SDVs eliminate this risk by relying on sensors, cameras, and other advanced technologies to detect and avoid obstacles on the road.
Powered by advanced software, SDVs offer a more sustainable mode of transportation as they can be optimised for energy efficiency and performance, thus, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. They can also be integrated with other forms of transportation including public transit and ride-sharing services.
Competing in a software-defined world
With the increasing need for automakers to differentiate their products, the growing demand for advanced safety and security features, and the increasing reliance on software in modern vehicles, SDVs have gained significant traction in the automotive industry. As the OEMs are sometimes not geared up to address the complexity of software, the industry needs to take quick actions. Earlier, the traditional automakers typically focused on building and selling hardware-centric products, such as engines and transmissions. The heardware did not have such complexities. Thus, one needs to reimagine the car with software at the center and accordingly redefine the technology strategy.
The scale of new technology stacks, tools, middleware, and the developmental environments that need to be created is huge and no single company can do this alone. Industry collaboration and standardisation are key to making SDVs a success. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers must focus on developing software competencies and partnerships, therefore, investing in software development and recruiting engineers is a must. This leads to another challenge within the development process: complexity. The software itself is complex and the multiparty development makes it even more complex. Highly complex projects with short turnaround time is indeed a tough challenge especially with products where safety and security are critical.
Cybersecurity and automotive security
The increasing use of software systems in vehicles can increase the risk of cyber-attacks. Hackers can potentially gain access to a vehicle’s software systems. As SDVs rely on software to operate, they are vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cyber-attacks which could potentially cause serious harm or even loss of life.
Automakers must ensure that their vehicles are secure with advanced features like encryption and biometric authentication. Therefore, automotive manufacturers need to invest in cybersecurity, especially in technologies like AI, blockchain, etc.
Open-source software
Open-source software is an essential aspect of SDVs as it provides a collaborative and transparent environment for software development. It can enable manufacturers to reduce development costs and accelerate time-to-market. Open source with its flexibility and scalability and agile way of development will help the auto industry.
As SDV technology is being integrated in vehicles, the industry is poised for a revolution that will fundamentally alter the overall driving experience by offering more comfort and safety. With a shift in the focus on safety and cybersecurity, the automotive industry is set to transform.
The author is the Head of Technical Centre India, Continental Automotive India
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