Electric vehicle innovation: A system-of-systems approach

In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation, modern Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have transcended traditional notions of mobility. Beyond mere modes of transportation, these vehicles have emerged as platforms for innovation, where cutting-edge technologies redefine the driving experience. The convergence of software and technology has become the bedrock upon which this automotive revolution stands, transforming cars into dynamic hubs of connectivity and intelligence. Accelerating automotive technology innovation, industry leaders are shaping the future of electric, connected, autonomous, and shared mobility. Amidst the quest for sustainability and safety, the true marvel lies in how these advancements are not just about the vehicles themselves, but about giving back precious time to the driver or end user. In this blog post, we explore key elements of this automotive manufacturing trend where innovation meets efficiency, and where EVs and HEVs are not just eco-friendly but also seamlessly connected, safer machines, freeing the human behind the wheel and in the car. Embracing the paradigm shift that EVs and HEVs present demands a departure from conventional thinking. These aren’t merely automobiles; they represent a meticulously crafted system-of-systems. The existing automotive hardware and software architecture proves unsuitable for EVs and HEVs, facing constraints in computing power, communication efficiency issues, and uncontrollable costs in wiring harnesses. In response to these challenges, the traditional waterfall software development model, with its limitations, will give way to an agile development model aligned with the evolving technology architecture for software-defined vehicles. The shift towards software-oriented automotive transformation brings forth challenges in organizational structure and talent supply. To address this, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will undergo a fundamental restructuring, transitioning from a function-oriented setup to a platform development structure. Additionally, obstacles arise from the traditional supply chain system . The connection between vehicle and parts enterprises transforms from a tower-shaped vertical relationship to a more streamlined annular flat relationship, marking a significant shift in the industry’s dynamics. As we delve into this system-of-systems innovation, it becomes evident that envisioning the future of road transport requires a fundamental reimagining of these vehicles as dynamic ecosystems, where every facet plays a pivotal role in shaping a smarter, safer, and more sustainable tomorrow. In the context of EVs & HEVs, the role of software and technology is pivotal in reshaping the automotive landscape. These vehicles are no longer solely mechanical entities; they are sophisticated systems driven by advanced software engineering principles. The integration of intelligent software governs crucial aspects such as energy management, adaptive driving assistance, and real-time connectivity. This convergence not only enhances driving efficiency but also fosters a networked environment, enabling vehicles to communicate with each other and their surroundings. In essence, the pragmatic application of software and technology is redefining the business of automotive engineering, transforming these vehicles into smart, connected entities that cater to both driver preferences and regulatory standards. The need to build a secure and scalable technology foundation is pivotal for modern EVs & HEVs and, in fact for the modern internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle as well. This necessitates the adoption of a modern microservices architecture , providing a foundation characterized by flexibility and scalability. As these vehicles increasingly rely on data for optimal performance, the ability to ingest petabytes of information from a multitude of internal and external sources in diverse formats becomes a strategic priority.  Establishing a resilient data infrastructure is not merely a technical consideration but a business imperative. This extensive data ecosystem serves as a cornerstone, offering valuable insights into critical aspects such as vehicle performance, energy management, and user behavior. Equally significant is the seamless rendering of this data to application development teams, both internal and external to the automaker.  This collaborative approach facilitates the development of comprehensive capabilities that are at the forefront of the automotive industry’s data-driven transformation. Explore our latest innovations in smart manufacturing and IoT: Achieving the above technical platform aspirations necessitates the meticulous integration of robust and proven DevOps practices . Ensuring the seamless deployment and continuous enhancement of software demands a structured approach that aligns with industry best practices. In the context of EVs and HEVs, where safety and security are paramount concerns, commitment to DevOps is foundational. Rigorous testing protocols and automated workflows need to be implemented to guarantee that software builds and their deployments meet the highest standards of robustness.  This stringent adherence to DevOps principles ensures that innovation in software development does not compromise the safety and security of human drivers and passengers. The reliability and integrity of development and deployment processes have to be held to the highest standards in an industry where precision and dependability are non-negotiable. For EVs and HEVs the software platforms go beyond the vehicular core, strategically incorporating infotainment systems, seamless payment integrations, and multifaceted external ecosystems. The infotainment systems deployed redefine the in-car experience, seamlessly connecting users to a curated spectrum of entertainment and information services. The integration of sophisticated payment systems within these platforms not only enhances user convenience but also establishes secure transactional frameworks for services such as charging infrastructure, parking solutions, and in-car purchases. Beyond these, the auto software platform will need technical capabilities to seamlessly integrate with external services, from advanced navigation systems to smart home connectivity and third-party applications. These comprehensive requirements position EVs and HEVs as interconnected ecosystems, offering users a heightened level of convenience and personalization. In the context of the software platforms for EVs and HEVs, the specific integration of AI, including the advancements of Generative AI (GenAI), plays a pivotal and nuanced role. Sophisticated machine learning algorithms elevate EV platforms by analyzing extensive datasets generated during driving experiences. This enables predictive maintenance, enhancing the longevity and reliability of electric vehicles. GenAI, with its ability to create content and scenarios, contributes to the evolution of personalized user experiences, from adaptive infotainment suggestions to customized driving settings. Moreover, AI’s role in refining autonomous features is instrumental, propelling advancements in self-driving capabilities within the electric vehicle landscape. As we navigate the confluence of software, tradition, and the cutting edge of AI, it’s clear that these technologies synergize to redefine the very nature of driving, creating a smarter, safer, and more personalized future on the roads. The integration of AI, including GenAI, into EV software platforms represents a specific and transformative journey toward the next era of intelligent and connected mobility. Across various business units in the automotive industry, the integration of User Experience (UX) principles plays a crucial role in shaping their respective functions in designing EV and HEV software platforms. UX informs R&D teams in understanding user behaviors and preferences. This knowledge guides the development of features, ensuring they align with customer expectations and needs. Developers and engineers need to incorporate UX principles into coding practices, ensuring that software is not only functional but also intuitive and user-friendly. Iterative testing and user feedback loops drive continuous improvement in the software’s usability and efficiency. Effective UX extends to post-purchase interactions, where customer support and service teams utilize user feedback to address issues effectively. The design of user manuals, online support systems, and service interfaces is informed by UX principles, making troubleshooting and maintenance more user-friendly. Even in supply chain units, where the focus is traditionally on logistics, understanding the user experience is critical. For example, the timely delivery of components impacts production schedules, directly influencing the end user’s experience with the final product. In essence, UX permeates every facet of the and a user-centric approach is fundamental to the success of EV and HEV platforms, aligning business units toward a common goal of delivering an exceptional and seamless experience for the end user. In the transformation outlined above, the role of hyperscaler partners becomes increasingly pivotal. Collaborating with hyperscalers offers car manufacturers access to a suite of cloud-based services and infrastructure, providing unparalleled scalability and flexibility. Leveraging the expansive resources and advanced technologies offered by hyperscalers streamlines the development and deployment processes, significantly reducing time-to-market.  Furthermore, hyperscaler partnerships play a crucial role in managing costs, as automakers can optimize their infrastructure expenses by utilizing pay-as-you-go models. The robust security protocols implemented by hyperscalers also address critical concerns, ensuring that the technology foundation remains resilient against potential threats. In essence, aligning with hyperscaler partners empowers automakers to navigate the intricacies of platform modernization with greater agility, efficiency, and security, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that propels the automotive industry into a technologically advanced future. As automakers and their suppliers embark on this platform modernization and embrace robust DevOps practices, as highlighted earlier, this is not merely a strategic choice but an operational necessity. In the pursuit of agility, cost efficiency, and speed, the intricacies of developing and maintaining a secure, scalable, and innovative technology foundation can be daunting for these organizations if undertaken in isolation. Embedding these advanced software capabilities in their auto platforms for traditional automobiles faces several technical challenges. Older monolithic software systems, primarily designed for siloed functions, struggle to seamlessly incorporate modern modular software capabilities. Integrating new software with existing hardware requires careful planning and modernization. Managing and extracting the diverse and extensive data generated by these monolith legacy solutions is a significant task. Cybersecurity is a pressing concern, demanding robust measures to safeguard vehicles and user data. Striking a balance between adopting the latest technology innovations and ensuring compatibility with older technical constructs is crucial. Overcoming these technical hurdles involves a practical approach, blending system upgrades, effective data management, cybersecurity measures, and a thoughtful strategy for decomposing monolith solutions into modern intelligent composable solutions. Recognizing this, collaboration with technology and custom software partners becomes indispensable. These partnerships bring specialized expertise, enabling automakers to navigate the complexities of modernization initiatives more efficiently. By leveraging the capabilities of external partners, automakers can not only mitigate development costs but also accelerate the implementation of cutting-edge solutions, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness converge for the benefit of the entire automotive industry. As Grid Dynamics, a leading custom software and platform engineering company, we specialize in harnessing modern cloud infrastructure, advanced data analytics, UX design, and enterprise AI. Our extensive expertise extends to DevOps, ensuring seamless integration and deployment of software solutions for EVs & HEVs. Leveraging our robust cloud infrastructure engineering skills, we establish scalable and reliable systems, while advanced data analytics practice informs intelligent decision-making and process automation as we build composable intelligent platforms for Fortune 1000 including both incumbent and new-age auto companies. Additionally, with our proficiency in DevOps, we streamline complex development and operations activities in complex software engineering landscapes, optimizing the software lifecycle. While maintaining the core elements, we refine the emphasis on enterprise AI, ensuring practical applications like an intelligent knowledge assistant in the car, integrations with payment gateways, and others. At Grid Dynamics, we are committed to transforming the software landscape of EVs & HEVs by seamlessly integrating cloud solutions, data analytics, UX, DevOps, and AI. As these advancements unfold, it becomes evident that the road ahead isn’t just paved with asphalt; it’s paved with lines of code and algorithms, reshaping not only how we drive but the very essence of what a vehicle means in the modern era.