In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, the demand for Software-Driven Vehicles (SDVs) is on the rise. What was once considered a feature exclusive to luxury cars has now become a common feature in middle-price range vehicles as well. This shift can be attributed to the increasing customer demand for smart tools and the extensive experience gained over the last decade with smartphones, which have made our lives easier in many ways.
One sector where the usage of SDVs is particularly prevalent is in electric vehicles (EVs) as opposed to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The modular architecture approach adopted by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in both the mechanical and electronics domains is crucial for staying competitive in this rapidly changing landscape.
In the mechanical domain, the significant reduction in the number of parts in electric vehicles has led to the adoption of modular architecture. This approach allows OEMs to design and manufacture various types of vehicles in different lengths, sizes, and shapes in a shorter duration, providing them with a competitive edge in the market.
On the other hand, in the electrical and electronic domain, various types of architecture, such as zonal and distributed architectures, have evolved to achieve the simplicity of a smartphone in the automobile domain. These architectures are centered around domains like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Powertrain, and Passive Safety, with the usage of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) varying depending on the type of architecture used by an OEM.
Despite the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, they come with their own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the efficient management of high-voltage batteries (HVB). Factors like high or low outside temperatures can affect the efficiency of the battery, leading to a reduction in range or increased charging times. To address these challenges, efficient thermal management and virtual validation have become essential tools for OEMs to ensure that Software-Driven Vehicles work efficiently.
In the engineering world, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations play a crucial role in the development cycle of new products. CAE helps design teams analyze and optimize various aspects of a product, ranging from material selection to manufacturability, ensuring that the final product is competitive in terms of weight and manufacturing cost. With advancements in high-end computing, CAE has become a principal domain with multiple sub-domains catering to various simulations like manufacturing, crash and safety, computational fluid dynamics, noise vibration, and harshness, durability, and multi-body dynamics.
The advent of cloud computing has revolutionized the CAE landscape, offering OEMs and Engineering Service Providers (ESPs) cost-effective and efficient solutions. Cloud services have significantly reduced investment and logistics costs associated with in-house high-performance computing, giving OEMs a competitive advantage in the market.
Looking ahead, the future of virtual validation and Software-Driven Vehicles is promising. The integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools will enable OEMs to left shift the development cycle, making automobiles safer and smarter. With the adoption of multiverse computer platforms and technologies like digital twinning and Universal Scene Description, the automotive industry is poised for exciting advancements that will enhance the customer experience and drive innovation in the sector.
In conclusion, the convergence of virtual validation, AI/ML tools, and Software-Driven Vehicles is set to transform the automotive industry in the coming years. OEMs that embrace these technologies and adapt to the changing landscape will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of customers and deliver innovative solutions that redefine the driving experience.