At the 2024 Hon Hai Tech Day (HHTD24), DIGITIMES Research conducted an insightful interview with Foxconn about the future of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The discussion explored the impact and potential applications of SDVs in the automotive industry from multiple angles, while Foxconn showcased practical applications demonstrating how these vehicles are reshaping the automotive landscape.
SDVs redefine smart car evolution
Software-defined vehicles represent a vehicle architecture centered around software. Some experts liken electric vehicles (EVs) to smartphones on four wheels; applying the concept of smartphone software updates to cars transforms them from traditional transportation tools into platforms with enhanced digital functionalities, enriching the user driving experience.
As Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang remarked, a car is typically in its best condition on the day it's purchased, but its value depreciates over time. In contrast, the day an SDV is bought marks its worst moment, as it begins an ongoing evolution, continually enhancing its performance and features while staying current.
SDVs enable the addition and upgrading of vehicle functions at any time, similar to how smartphones regularly update applications, but with a stronger focus on safety. Consequently, SDVs come equipped with features such as connectivity, data-driven usage scenarios, hardware-software integration, personalized settings, continuous updates, intelligence, and high performance.
Key differences between traditional vehicles and SDVs
Significant differences exist between SDVs and traditional vehicles across several dimensions. Traditional vehicles rarely receive functional updates post-manufacture via over-the-air (OTA) capabilities, while SDVs can periodically undergo function upgrades and issue fixes through OTA, improving over time.
Development timelines also differ. Traditional vehicles typically take three to five years to go from development to release due to the high degree of integration between software and hardware, which necessitates redevelopment for different models and controllers. Conversely, SDVs can share many software components, allowing features to be transferred between vehicles, and reducing development timelines to just 18 months.
In terms of product lifecycle, traditional vehicles have fixed functionalities, meaning if consumers wish to use the latest automotive technologies after a few years, they must purchase a new vehicle. Consequently, the typical lifespan of traditional vehicles is about 7 years. In contrast, SDVs can extend their product lifecycle to as long as 15 years due to continuous software updates.
Advantages of SDVs for manufacturers and users
SDVs offer numerous benefits for both manufacturers and users. For manufacturers, firstly, modular platforms accelerate R&D speed, reducing the time and resources needed for developing new models. Secondly, manufacturers can provide rapid functional updates and problem fixes via OTA, thereby enhancing overall vehicle performance.
Additionally, optimizing vehicle performance through data analysis helps improve product competitiveness. Moreover, SDVs create new business models, such as subscription-based software services, providing additional revenue streams for manufacturers.
SDVs also present several advantages for users. Firstly, continuous additions and upgrades through OTA ensure users enjoy new experiences at all times. Secondly, drivers and passengers can customize settings based on personal preferences, such as automatic seat adjustments or playing preferred music.
Finally, remote diagnostics and software correction features reduce the frequency of trips to service centers, lowering maintenance costs. Since SDVs keep vehicles consistently updated, this also enhances the long-term value for owners.
Real-world applications of SDVs
Foxconn has launched a smart EV platform and demonstrated several practical application cases during HHTD24, showcasing how SDVs are transforming the entire automotive industry.
One example presented was a technology aimed at improving dangerous driving behaviors through software, maintaining vehicle performance. For instance, during a demonstration of the common risky behavior of "heavy acceleration," the vehicle's speed instantly surged from 0km/h to 200km/h, highlighting various risks such as sudden acceleration or collisions with pedestrians.
With the introduction and adjustment of software, when the driver accelerates sharply, the speed steadily increases, providing a safer driving environment and helping to improve driving habits, ultimately preserving vehicle performance.
Another application case involved linking the smart headlight electronic control unit (ECU) with the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) ECU to provide smart control services for high and low-beam lights. Drivers can control the vehicle's headlights using natural language commands, such as automatically switching between high and low beams.
Moreover, the electronic control platform supports OTA remote upgrade technology, enabling vehicle owners to subscribe and subsequently update the "Smart Autobeam" control software for high and low beams to access additional new features.
A third application case highlighted Foxconn's highway autonomous navigation driving technology, covering approximately 30km from point A to point B, achieving Level 2 autonomous driving without human intervention.
The test route was about 20 minutes long. Autonomous navigation driving technology includes multiple functions, such as entering and exiting highways, automatic lane changes, adaptive cruise control, and continuous automated lane transitions.
Before hitting the road, the vehicle optimizes its autonomous navigation driving functionality through digital twin technology, ensuring continuous optimization and appreciation throughout its usage via software updates and feature enhancements.
Foxconn's applications illustrate the tangible benefits of SDVs in enhancing safety, performance, and the overall driving experience. As technology continues to evolve, SDVs are poised to significantly shape the future of the automotive industry.
