Published on 17 Jun 2024
min read
Automobiles had humble beginnings, yet they have become an essential part of our daily life. Whether you drive to work, drop your kids off at school, or embark on a long-planned road trip, the car has become an inseparable element of our civilization.
During my recent trip to the West Coast, I was struck by the various conversations with the leading lights of the industry, all of whom had one common refrain - the undeniable convergence of SDVs (Software-Defined Vehicles) and EVs (Electric Vehicles). While novel, this is not surprising as it a natural outcome of the 150-year evolution of automobiles. From their modest origins, often being outpaced by the fastest racehorse, to the present day where they have broken the sound barrier and taken on attributes of a super-computer, vehicles have indeed come a long way.
The technological advancement in automotive sector is not merely groundbreaking, they are spearheading the rise of responsible mobility worldwide. The SDV market was valued at USD 281.5 billion in 2022 and projected to grow from USD 344.8 billion in 2023 to an impressive USD 1748.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 22.50%. Interestingly, this growth spur is expected not just from the long-standing technology frontiers like the US, but also from key emerging markets like India, which has seen a proliferation of R&D in advanced automotive technology.
Connectivity over 5G and next-gen software are critical drivers of the SDV adoption, which is already seeing traction in the premium segment and is expected to eventually penetrate the mass market. This shift highlights the need to stay competitive as SDVs revolutionize vehicle innovation and passenger experience. Increasing software content necessitates frequent over-the-air (OTA) updates to prevent recalls. OEMs are investing in high-compute domain and zonal controller architectures to drive this adoption. The electrical and electronic (EE) architecture in SDVs reduces controllers/ECUs and wiring harnesses, boosting efficiency and integrating safety and security features. Furthermore, massive data collected by SDVs, and powerful AI calculations will enhance on-board safety while providing new streams of revenue for OEMs and other players in this ecosystem. Cellular vehicle-to-everything (CV2X) technology is playing a pivotal role in enabling autonomous driving capabilities ensuring vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-network connectivity.
At the forefront of building solutions for SDVs, Indian engineering and technology services players are partnering with global and Indian OEMs to drive the industry forward with in-vehicle platform software, virtualization, and digital services. By collaborating with chipset makers, ISVs, tool vendors, and cloud hyperscalers, they provide essential technologies and tools required to develop the vehicles of the future.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are essential for a clean and sustainable future as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. However, widespread EV adoption demands robust infrastructure and seamless integration. Challenges like range anxiety and the limitations of current battery technology must be addressed first to ensure the success and sustainability of EVs.
Overcoming these challenges will require a collaborative effort from automakers, technology leaders, and governments. As the SDV and EV transformation gains momentum, we stand on the cusp of the most significant breakthrough since the internet. The convergence of automotive software and electric engine technologies will revolutionize logistics optimization, fleet management, and reduce travel time and resource consumption.
Leading automakers, technology majors and engineering companies are united in recognizing the scale and complexity of challenges within the SDV and EV domains. A modern Tesla boasts a feature set comparable to that of a smartphone, pushing the boundaries of innovation and integration. In the United States, industry leaders like General Motors (GM) & Ford are spearheading advancements in autonomous driving technologies and broadening their EV portfolios. Simultaneously, European giants such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo are well-known for their commitment to safety and pioneering advancements in vehicle design. Meanwhile, Japanese companies like Toyota, Honda and Nissan are at the forefront of pioneering next-gen battery technologies, with substantial investments in software enhancements shaping the future of mobility.
The support of public authorities is pivotal in shaping the new ecosystem for smart transportation. Governments worldwide are redefining their policies, funding automobile R&D, and streamlining regulatory frameworks for SDV-EV integration, especially after the recent COP rounds. The future will be defined by new and robust partnerships across the ecosystem. From smart road sensors and intelligent traffic management systems to true autonomous driving and wireless charging stations leveraging renewable energy grids, the potential is limitless!
The growing SDV-EV convergence represents a cultural shift that redefines the relationship between people and their vehicles and reshapes the overall driving experience. True public acceptance of this potentially trillion-dollar leap hinges on trust in technology, belief in a smarter, cleaner future, and real-world validation of these innovations. The challenges in this convergence are matched by the potential for innovation and the promise of a transformed transportation landscape. Civic leaders, industry magnates, and innovators must steer this course toward equitable and sustainable mobility while ensuring that these innovations reach the last mile.
India can leverage its unique engineering talent pool and digital technologies, which are prerequisites for SDV-EV development. As the home of the largest pool of software engineering talent, with multi-national companies setting up hubs along with Software Integrators, and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), India is poised to play a vital role in advancing SDV technology worldwide.
To conclude, let me leave you with a thought that struck me while in traffic the other day. As the long line of vehicles moved on at a steady pace, I was reminded of what Peter Gabriel once said, “All of those cars were once just a dream in somebody’s head.”
It’s time we realized the next dream!
