From hardware-defined to software-defined vehicles
Over a century ago, when automobiles first appeared, they were entirely mechanical. Any upgrade required changing mechanical components, meaning early cars were truly “hardware-defined vehicles”. Later, the introduction of electronics brought numerous ECUs (Electronic Control Units) into vehicles. These made cars easier to use, with features like power windows and navigation systems, but the overall design remained static. To customize or upgrade a function, you still needed to replace hardware.
In recent decades, however, the automotive world has been shifting from fixed, hardware-dependent designs toward vehicles that can be customized and improved through software. These are known as Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). SDVs give manufacturers the ability to innovate faster and reduce development costs, while drivers benefit from improved safety, infotainment and convenience without needing expensive hardware changes or new model upgrades.
Connectivity: the key enabler of SDVs
We now live in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), where billions of devices from light bulbs to factories are connected to the internet. Connected cars are an important part of this ecosystem.
A vehicle equipped with 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi connectivity can download new software over the air (OTA). As long as its mechanical and electronic systems support the functions, these updates can deliver new features and improvements, similar to how smartphones receive updates that unlock new apps or capabilities.
How software-defined vehicles work
Flexible vehicle architecture
For SDVs to function properly, the mechanical, electronic and software architecture of a vehicle must be designed with future upgrades in mind. Traditional automotive EE architecture must evolve to accommodate new software-defined features that may be introduced long after the vehicle is produced.
Centralized computing
In conventional vehicles, computing tasks are spread across many ECUs. In SDVs, a significant portion of computing needs to be moved into a central unit. This centralized system can reshape functionalities, reassign resources and manage new software-driven features after an OTA update.
Artificial intelligence in the SDV ecosystem
AI can analyze vehicle usage data to help manufacturers improve safety and user experience, for example by enhancing ADAS features. It can also analyze diagnostic data from different components and suggest improvements that make vehicles safer, more efficient and more sustainable. The opportunities for advancement are virtually endless.
Challenges in the move toward SDVs
As promising as SDVs are, there are challenges. Software can only add features within the limits of existing hardware. For example, a vehicle built with a 5G chipset cannot automatically support future 6G frequency bands without a hardware change. There are many similar limitations.
Vehicle architecture also limits what new software-defined features a specific model can support. Even if automakers design with the future in mind, predicting technological developments is difficult and not always accurate.
Why SDVs matter and how connectivity drives the future
The SDV concept opens new possibilities for making mobility safer, easier and more comfortable. For Wireless Mobility, this shift is especially meaningful because connectivity, the core enabler of SDVs, aligns perfectly with our expertise. Our 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi communication modules support the industry as it transitions toward SDVs and help build a more reliable and robust Internet of Things.
Is traditional automotive engineering obsolete?
Traditional automotive engineering is not obsolete. But it is rapidly evolving toward a new paradigm where architecture, computing and connectivity work together to enable software-defined functionality. Mechanical and electronic engineering remain fundamental, but software now plays a central role in shaping the future of automotive design.
Prachi Mittal (She/Her) is Advanced Connectivity Expert at Wireless Mobility. She lives and works in Germany and lectures about technology.
Wireless Mobility GmbH is headquartered in Germany with presence in global locations such as Canada, Serbia, Italy, Japan, and Malaysia. Wireless Mobility is a world leading provider of wireless communication products and services for technologies like 4G, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GNSS etc, with satisfied customers from both automotive and IoT industries.
