How Is Software Eating the Car? A Comprehensive Guide

Is software truly taking over the automotive industry? Absolutely, and it’s transforming cars into sophisticated computers on wheels. CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN understands this shift and provides the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape. This guide explores how software is revolutionizing the car, impacting everything from design and functionality to repair and maintenance, while offering expert insight to thrive in this cutting-edge field, complete with automotive diagnostics and remote car repair know-how.

1. Why Is the Automotive Industry Undergoing Rapid Technological Change?

The automotive industry is undergoing a dramatic technological transformation due to stringent emission regulations, advancements in automation and infotainment, and rising customer expectations. According to Zoran Filipi, Chair of the Department of Automotive Engineering at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), this rapid change is driven by the need to meet ever-stricter CO2 emission standards while simultaneously advancing automation, infotainment, and overall vehicle performance.

1.1. What Factors Are Driving Automotive Innovation?

Several factors are propelling automotive innovation:

• Emission Regulations: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter emission standards to combat climate change, pushing automakers to develop cleaner technologies.
• Automation: The pursuit of self-driving vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) necessitates significant software development and integration.
• Infotainment: Modern consumers expect seamless connectivity, advanced navigation, and sophisticated entertainment systems in their vehicles, driving the need for more complex software.
• Customer Expectations: Drivers demand enhanced performance, comfort, and utility, all of which rely heavily on software and electronic systems.

2. How Does Software Determine the Value of a Car Today?

Software now determines the value of a car more than its mechanical components. Manfred Broy, emeritus professor of informatics at Technical University Munich and a leading expert on software in automobiles, emphasizes that a car’s success hinges on its software capabilities, with nearly all vehicle innovations being directly tied to software.

2.1. How Many Lines of Code Are in Modern Vehicles?

Modern high-end cars, like the BMW 7-series, contain over 150 electronic control units (ECUs) and more than 150 million lines of code. Even entry-level vehicles are rapidly approaching 100 ECUs and 100 million lines of code as features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking become standard.

3. What Is the Role of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in Modern Cars?

Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are embedded computers that control various functions in a vehicle, and their proliferation is driven by safety features, emission standards, and consumer demand for advanced features. Ten years ago, only premium cars had around 100 ECUs, but now even low-end vehicles are approaching that number due to mandated safety features and stricter emission standards.

3.1. What Safety Features Have Driven ECU Proliferation?

Safety features mandated since 2010, such as electronic stability control, backup cameras, and automatic emergency calling (eCall) in the EU, have significantly increased the number of ECUs in vehicles. These systems require dedicated ECUs and software to function effectively, driving up the overall complexity of vehicle electronics.

4. What Percentage of a Car’s Cost Is Attributed to Electronics?

As of 2017, approximately 40% of a new car’s cost can be attributed to semiconductor-based electronic systems, and this figure is expected to reach 50% by 2030, according to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Each new car contains about $600 worth of semiconductors, consisting of up to 3,000 chips.

4.1. How Many Semiconductors Are in a Modern Car?

A modern car can contain up to 3,000 semiconductors of all types, reflecting the increasing reliance on electronics for various vehicle functions. From engine control to infotainment, semiconductors are essential for the operation of modern vehicles.

5. How Do Features and Variants Drive Complexity in Automotive Software?

The increasing demand for more safety and entertainment features has transformed automobiles into mobile computing centers, increasing software complexity. Vard Antinyan, a software quality expert at Volvo Cars, notes that Volvo vehicles have a superset of about 120 ECUs, comprising a total of 100 million lines of source code.

5.1. What Is Variant Management in Automotive Manufacturing?

Variant management involves managing the different configurations of a vehicle model, each with its own set of ECUs, software, and related electronics. Volvo, like other auto manufacturers, offers variants of each model to cater to different market segments, leading to a complex interplay of standard, optional, and legally required equipment.

5.2. How Does Variant Management Affect System Integration?

Each increase in functionality implies additional sensors, actuators, ECUs, and accompanying software, requiring extra integration efforts to ensure they work correctly. Deloitte estimates that 40% or more of a vehicle’s development budget is attributed to systems integration, testing, verification, and validation.

6. What Are the Key Challenges in Automotive Software Testing?

Automotive software testing faces challenges due to the vast number of potential build combinations and the complexity of integrating various electronic components. Andy Whydell, ZF’s Vice President of Product Planning for Vehicle Systems, notes that some car makers have hundreds of thousands of potential build combinations for an individual vehicle model, making it impossible to test every combination thoroughly.

6.1. Why Is Software Testing Critical for Vehicle Safety?

Software testing is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicle systems, as errors can lead to recalls and potential hazards. Even highly tested models can have software-related errors that are found and corrected after they are sold, as seen with General Motors’ recall of the 2019 Chevy Silverado.

7. What Is the Level of Software Development Outsourcing in the Automotive Industry?

Most ECU design and software development is outsourced to suppliers, with OEMs integrating the ECUs to create a unified system. Herbert Diess, Chairman of Volkswagen Group, admitted that “hardly a line of software code comes from us,” with VW estimating that only 10% of its vehicle software is developed in-house.

7.1. How Does Outsourcing Affect Software Integration and Validation?

Outsourcing software development to numerous suppliers, each with their own development approach, adds another level of complication, especially in performing verification and validation. A Strategy Analytics and Aurora Labs survey found that a significant percentage of software developers across the automotive supply chain found it difficult to know when a code change in one ECU affects another.

8. How Is Cybersecurity a Growing Concern in the Automotive Industry?

Cybersecurity is a major concern for automakers, especially after the remote takeover of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee in 2015. Mashrur Chowdhury, a vehicle cybersecurity expert, notes that vehicle software was initially designed for safety first, with security as a distant second, and potential attack surfaces are increasing daily.

8.1. What Measures Are Governments Taking to Address Automotive Cybersecurity?

Governments are placing cybersecurity obligations on car makers, including the requirement to have a certified cybersecurity management system (CSMS) and a software update management system. Automakers are also encouraged to maintain a database of operational software components used in each automotive ECU and vehicle.

9. How Has the Increasing Complexity of Vehicle Electronics Affected Repair Costs?

The increasing complexity of vehicle electronics has led to higher repair costs, with nearly 60% of the labor costs to repair a collision involving a vehicle with advanced safety features resulting from the vehicle’s electronics. Even minor damage, like a cracked windshield, can cost significantly more to repair if the vehicle is equipped with windshield-mounted cameras for ADAS.

9.1. What Is the Impact of ADAS on Repair Expenses?

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) significantly increase repair expenses due to the need for precise calibration and the high cost of replacing sensors and related components. A 2018 AAA study showed that the cost to repair a cracked windshield could climb to as much as $1,650 if the vehicle is equipped with a windshield-mounted camera for automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning systems.

10. Why Are EVs and AI Contributing to Unmanageable Complexity in Automotive?

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI) is exacerbating software complexity, with McKinsey & Company estimating that software complexity in vehicles is rapidly outpacing the ability to both develop and maintain it. In today’s vehicles, “software using today’s architectures is becoming unmanageable,” observes ZF’s Andy Whydell.

10.1. What Is the Development-Productivity Gap in Automotive Software?

The development-productivity gap refers to the increasing disparity between the complexity of automotive software and the ability of suppliers and OEMs to develop and maintain it. McKinsey & Company notes that software complexity grew by a factor of four over the past decade, but supplier and OEM software productivity has barely risen in the same time.

10.2. How Are OEMs Addressing the Challenge of Software Complexity?

OEMs are belatedly recognizing that their current approaches of outsourcing software and electronics to suppliers and then integrating them are not workable for EVs. New vehicle software and physical architectures are needed to manage batteries, sensors, and communication systems in EVs. As Tamara Snow, head of research and advanced engineering for Continental AG, stated, the decentralized ECU architectures used in ICE vehicles “have reached their limits.”

11. How Can CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN Help You Navigate the Software-Driven Automotive World?

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11.1. What Training Programs Does CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN Offer?

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11.2. How Can Remote Car Repair Services Benefit Your Business?

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12. What Are the Key Takeaways About the Future of Software in Cars?

The future of cars is inextricably linked to software. As vehicles become more complex and reliant on electronic systems, the need for skilled technicians and advanced diagnostic tools will continue to grow. CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN is committed to providing the training and support needed to navigate this evolving landscape and thrive in the software-driven automotive world.

12.1. What Skills Will Be Essential for Automotive Technicians in the Future?

Essential skills for future automotive technicians include:

• Proficiency in automotive diagnostics and repair
• Expertise in electronic systems and software
• Knowledge of remote car repair techniques
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and software updates

12.2. How Can You Prepare for the Future of Automotive Technology?

To prepare for the future of automotive technology, consider the following steps:

• Enroll in specialized training programs like those offered by CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in automotive technology.
• Invest in advanced diagnostic tools and equipment.
• Develop strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Network with other professionals in the automotive industry.

Are you ready to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape? Explore CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN today to discover our comprehensive training programs and cutting-edge remote repair solutions. Contact us now at Whatsapp: +1 (641) 206-8880 or visit our website at CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN for immediate assistance and personalized consultation. Drive into the future of automotive repair with confidence! Address: 1700 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, United States.

FAQ: Software in Cars

1. What does it mean when people say “Software is eating the car”?

“Software is eating the car” means that software is becoming the dominant factor in determining a car’s functionality, value, and overall performance. Modern vehicles rely heavily on software for everything from engine control to infotainment and safety systems.

2. How many lines of code are there in a modern car?

A modern high-end car can contain over 150 million lines of code, while even low-end vehicles are quickly approaching 100 million lines of code as more features become standard.

3. What are Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and what do they do?

Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are embedded computers that control various functions in a vehicle. They manage everything from engine performance and braking systems to infotainment and safety features.

4. Why is cybersecurity important in modern vehicles?

Cybersecurity is crucial in modern vehicles because cars are increasingly connected and vulnerable to hacking. Automakers must ensure that vehicle software is secure to protect against unauthorized access and potential safety risks.

5. How do Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) affect repair costs?

ADAS can significantly increase repair costs due to the need for precise calibration and the high cost of replacing sensors and related components. Even minor damage can result in substantial repair bills if ADAS components are affected.

6. What is the role of remote car repair in the automotive industry?

Remote car repair enables technicians to diagnose and repair vehicles from a distance, reducing downtime and improving customer satisfaction. This approach is particularly useful for addressing software-related issues and performing updates remotely.

7. What skills are essential for automotive technicians in the future?

Essential skills for future automotive technicians include proficiency in automotive diagnostics, expertise in electronic systems and software, knowledge of remote car repair techniques, and understanding of cybersecurity principles.

8. How is the automotive industry addressing the development-productivity gap in software?

The automotive industry is addressing the development-productivity gap by investing in training programs, improving software development processes, and fostering greater collaboration between OEMs and suppliers.

9. What is variant management in automotive manufacturing?

Variant management involves managing the different configurations of a vehicle model, each with its own set of ECUs, software, and related electronics. Automakers offer variants to cater to different market segments, leading to a complex interplay of standard, optional, and legally required equipment.

10. How can I stay updated on the latest advancements in automotive technology?

You can stay updated by enrolling in specialized training programs, attending industry conferences, subscribing to automotive publications, and networking with other professionals in the field. CAR-REMOTE-REPAIR.EDU.VN is a great resource for staying informed and developing essential skills.