New technologies enabled by software-defined vehicles

Software-defined vehicles enable new technologies and revenue streams for OEMs. As vehicles continue to integrate more electronics and sensors, vehicle performance, fault scenarios and driver preference data is more available than ever before. Software-defined vehicles help further improve digital twin and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities by simplifying the collection and ability to securely share vehicle data, as shown in Figure 4.

With digital twin capabilities (a virtual representation of a real-world system), software-defined vehicles can share data to the cloud to document real-world performance such as electric vehicle battery health over time, ADAS sensor information throughout various driving conditions, and even vehicle feature usage. This data can help OEMs optimize vehicle capabilities and reduce the time required to solve new challenges, especially for technologies such as ADAS and autonomous driving. Additionally, OEMs would be able to identify common issues across specific vehicle models and provide fixes before major problems arise.

In addition to digital twin technology, vehicle data is valuable for V2X communication because it enables vehicles to share information between vehicles, people and infrastructures to improve safety and traffic flow. Sharing information such as lane departure and vehicle speed securely from the central computer to other vehicles can help improve collision avoidance capabilities.

Lastly, OEMs are continuing to find ways to create new revenue streams. Software-defined vehicles give OEMs complete control of the software within their vehicles and therefore, the capabilities to differentiate their user experience. OEMs could offer subscription models for specific features that can be enabled through software. Features could be simple such as heated seats or they could be more complex like advanced driving safety capabilities. Although subscriptions may not sound attractive to consumers, new features could be added through software updates to existing vehicles instead of requiring consumers to purchase the latest model year.