The Indian automotive industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation as it embraces connected electric vehicles (EVs), which has also sparked an increased emphasis on Software-defined vehicles (SDVs). SDV technology electrifies the road to a future where EVs unleash their full potential, revolutionising performance, range, and charging capabilities with unparalleled precision. SDVs also leverage EV platforms for taking advantage of the inherent efficiency and environmental benefits of electric propulsion systems. Together, EVs and SDVs contribute to a sustainable and intelligent future of transportation.
Automobiles are becoming increasingly autonomous which raises concerns about safety and the move towards SDVs could be the key to overcoming the challenge. The shift to software-driven vehicles is essential to unlock advanced safety features, optimise performance, and accelerate innovation in transportation. This creates efficient management of complex vehicle systems along with seamless integration of new features and functionalities. In the transformative journey of the industry, collaborations, technological advancements, and government initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping the journey.
Roles in everyday life:
Connected technology, facilitated by the Internet of Things (IoT), enables seamless communication between vehicles and infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency on the road. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms empower SDVs with intelligent decision-making capabilities, allowing them to perceive and adapt to their surroundings. Advanced sensor systems, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras, provide crucial data for navigating through complex scenarios and improving overall safety.
Recognising the importance of SDVs, car manufacturers in India are investing in future-proof capabilities to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates throughout the lifespan of their vehicles. This alteration from a hardware-centric to a software-defined supports the demands of connected and autonomous vehicles. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are adopting domain or zonal architectures, grouping functions into isolated sections, and emphasising physical partitioning. By transitioning Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to software modules with a unified architecture, OEMs can leverage software investments across different domains, facilitating hardware and software upgrades. High-performance processors and systems-on-chips (SoCs) consolidate functions, while high-speed networking and wireless connectivity play a crucial role in SDV development.
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Government initiatives driving transformation:
The Indian government has introduced several initiatives and schemes to accelerate the transformation of the automotive industry. The scheme offers financial incentives and subsidies to both manufacturers and consumers, making EVs more accessible and affordable.
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NXP Semiconductors
To support the development of connected and autonomous vehicles, the government launched the National Automotive Policy, which aims to create a favourable environment for automotive research, development, and manufacturing. It encourages collaboration between industry stakeholders, academia, and research institutions to foster innovation and technology advancement. Additionally, the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2026 focuses on sustainable growth and development of the automotive industry. It envisions India as a global automotive hub by promoting investments, creating a skilled workforce, and enhancing research and development capabilities. The government’s initiatives extend beyond vehicle manufacturing to infrastructure development. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) focuses on setting up charging infrastructure and battery manufacturing facilities across the country. This infrastructure expansion aims to alleviate range anxiety and accelerate the adoption of EVs. Furthermore, the government has established Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and research laboratories to encourage collaboration between industry and academia. These CoEs focus on areas such as electric mobility, connected vehicles, and advanced manufacturing technologies, enabling knowledge sharing and fostering innovation.
Challenges:
High-speed networking and wireless connectivity, such as 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6, play a crucial role in SDV development. Multi-Gigabit Ethernet with time-sensitive networking (TSN) ensures quality of service (QoS) and enables seamless data sharing across the vehicle are some aspects of technology that are still not widespread in India. Another aspect to consider in Indian SDV development is machine learning (ML), which requires cloud support, in other words creating a digital twin of your vehicle in the cloud. Simulating real-world scenarios with accurate network conditions helps developers assess the performance and reliability of SDVs under various connectivity conditions. By replicating the capabilities of 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6, developers can test and optimise SDV algorithms and systems to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
Conclusion:
The Indian automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, embracing connected and autonomous vehicles through a software-defined approach. The government’s initiatives, such as the National Automotive Policy, and the AMP 2026, play a vital role in driving this transformation. These initiatives promote the adoption of electric vehicles, support research and development, and foster collaborations between industry stakeholders. Additionally, the development of charging infrastructure and the establishment of CoEs further enhance the ecosystem for connected and autonomous vehicle development. As the industry progresses, collaboration, technological advancements, and government support will continue to shape the future of the automotive landscape in India.
