The Future of Car Technology: A Look at Next-Gen E/E Architectures

The automotive industry has been utilizing electronic control systems for nearly 50 years, but the integration of these systems into vehicles has remained largely unchanged. However, a significant shift is now underway as automakers move towards implementing next-generation electrical and electronic (E/E) architectures in their vehicles.

A report from Guidehouse Insights delves into the evolving market for automotive E/E architectures and how this transition will enable the shift towards software-defined vehicles. According to the report, the current E/E architecture, which has grown in complexity and cost over the years, is largely incompatible with the way software-defined vehicles operate.

The need for this transition became more apparent following the introduction of the Tesla Model S in 2012, which showcased the ability to update the vehicle’s software over the air, much like a smartphone. This innovative feature was made possible by the vehicle’s next-generation E/E architecture, a concept that traditional automakers are only now starting to adopt.

The shift to next-gen E/E architectures will also bring about totally new software architectures that allow for rapid updates and the ability to update hardware and software independently. These changes not only enable more frequent updates and improved product features but also bring about cost and quality improvements, making vehicles more resilient to supply chain disruptions.

While these changes come with numerous benefits, they also present challenges. Automakers and suppliers need to invest in engineers with expertise in electronics design, network design, and modern software development. Suppliers are also urged to focus on the power efficiency of compute platforms, particularly as the industry transitions to electric vehicles.

The report, titled “Next-Gen E/E Architectures: Wiring the Car of the Future,” offers valuable insights into the evolving market for automotive E/E architectures and provides recommendations for automakers and suppliers. An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the Guidehouse Insights website.

Guidehouse Insights is a leading market intelligence arm that provides research, data, and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and highly regulated industries, particularly in the global clean technology markets.

Guidehouse, on the other hand, is a global provider of consulting services to the public sector and commercial markets, with a focus on management, technology, and risk consulting. With over 17,000 professionals in more than 55 locations globally, Guidehouse is dedicated to helping clients address complex challenges and navigate significant regulatory pressures.

It’s important to note that the information contained in the report is based on market data and trend analysis and reflects the current expectations of Guidehouse Insights. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain, and actual results may differ from those in the report.

For more information and to access the full report, please visit the Guidehouse Insights website. If you have any inquiries, you can also contact Cecile Fradkin at [email protected] or on +1.646.941.9139.