Over-the-air (OTA) software program updates can enhance an electrical
automobile’s (EV) options and functionalities, however buggy software program
rollout can have unintended penalties, together with malfunction in
crucial automobile techniques; generally it might be life-threatening.
The destructive sentiment surrounding software program points can even dampen
shopper enthusiasm for brand spanking new electrical automobiles’ reliability and
security. For this reason software program improvement and administration are
occupying centre stage in automakers’ plans.
A number of unique tools producers have delayed launch of
new EVs attributable to points associated to software program improvement. Volvo is one
of the most recent to announce such points. In June, the automaker recalled the EX30 electrical small
sport utility automobiles (SUVs) owing to a software program concern. The
software program replace led to a mess of issues, together with
blacked-out infotainment screens and emergency braking system
randomly activating.
Subsequently in June 2024, Volvo knowledgeable prospects that the
EX90, at present dealing with delays, could also be delivered
with out as much as 10 key options. This contains 4 security and
superior driver-assistance techniques (ADAS) options. Volvo stated
these options will probably be added later through an replace.
Getting its software program proper will probably be crucial for Volvo to
preserve the demand for its EVs. In January-July 2024, Volvo Automobiles reported a 62% year-on-year
improve in gross sales of absolutely electrical automobiles to 104,890 items.
The software program challenges largely originated from the adoption of
a central computing system that Volvo lacked prior expertise in
growing. This method, closely reliant on Nvidia processors, was
meant to rework the automobile right into a high-tech laptop on
wheels, corresponding to Tesla’s choices. Nevertheless, the choice to
use a central computing system led to important debugging
challenges, notably as Volvo’s engineering workforce was not
initially geared up with the mandatory experience.
E/E spine to run the software program: Volvo’s balancing
act
Volvo initially aimed to deploy a zone structure in 2022, however
this was postponed to 2025. By 2025, Volvo deliberate to introduce the
GPA EV platform, the place automobile interface items (VIUs) can be
remodeled into zone controllers (ZCUs), thereby eliminating
a number of ECUs. The corporate additionally meant to combine the features
of the physique/automobile management unit (VCU) and the autonomy area
controller right into a centralized laptop.
Nevertheless, Volvo is dealing with challenges with the implementation of
this central laptop, notably regarding safety points when
integrating ADAS and VCU right into a single central laptop. As a
end result, even when the corporate rolls out a central laptop
structure, it would take into account reverting to a website controller
plus zone structure in future choices.
Volvo’s challenges replicate industry-wide software program
struggles
Volvo isn’t the one automaker grappling with software-related
challenges. Volkswagen confronted comparable points with the launch of its
ID.3 mannequin in 2022, the place preliminary manufacturing automobiles have been delayed
owing to software program glitches. Volkswagen’s software program subsidiary,
Cariad, struggled to resolve these points, leading to persistent
issues with gradual and unreliable software program for early prospects. The
formidable E3 2.0 software program platform, which was to unify the digital
structure throughout VW Group manufacturers by 2026, is now being
fully reworked.
This case highlights the advanced and expensive nature of
integrating cutting-edge software program into trendy automobiles, a problem
that parallels Volvo’s personal challenges with its EX90 mannequin. Each
circumstances illustrate the crucial want for sturdy software program improvement
capabilities as conventional automakers navigate the digital
transformation.
Along with software program challenges, conventional OEMs face
important efficiency disparities between their entry-level and
premium automobile segments. Future computational capabilities and
reminiscence bandwidth in automobiles are projected to range drastically,
necessitating the event of adaptable and scalable E/E
architectures to effectively handle these variations. Flexibility
and scalability in E/E structure will probably be essential for sustaining
competitiveness throughout completely different market segments.
Authored by: Hrishikesh S, Analysis Analyst, Provide
Chain & Expertise, S&P World Mobility
