Besides the battery and the engine, a highly reliable electric vehicle (EV) has a key factor that is rarely discussed: its embedded software. Embedded systems include hardware and software applications built to perform specific tasks.
Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have complex mechanical systems for controlling and managing the vehicle. The engine has over 2,000 mechanical parts. However, the electric motor of an electric vehicle is more straightforward, as the control and management of the vehicle are entirely assigned to the embedded software.
This software is crucial for proper EV management. For example, predictive maintenance software is a key component for the safe operation of the battery and battery management system (BMS).
Embedded software can also perform several other tasks in an EV, as described below.
OperationTo some extent, the software in electric vehicles replaces the mechanical systems in internal combustion engine vehicles, responsible for multiple aspects of electric vehicle functionality. It controls the vehicle’s BMS, electric motor, and power electronics — responsible for converting the battery’s direct current voltage into the alternating current voltage required by the motor. The embedded software controls this process and ensures efficient and reliable power delivery.
The software also controls the speed and torque of the motor, determining the vehicle’s acceleration and power usage. It ensuresthe motoroperates within a safe temperature range and prevents overload.
MaintenanceThe maintenance and repair of electric vehicles differ from traditional cars, partly due to the important role of embedded software. Predictive maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal vehicle performance, preventing failures, and extending vehicle lifespan.
Predictive maintenance software can send real-time alerts to schedule maintenance before failures occur. This software monitors and collects data from various components and systems in the EV, notifying the driver of any potential issues based on the vehicle’s specifications.This helpsprevent unexpected downtime and may reduce maintenance costs. It alsoanalyzes data from various sensors installed in the EV, such as those measuring battery voltage, motor temperature, and tire pressure.
NavigationAs the range of electric vehicles is limited by battery charge,the software provides data aboutthe battery statusand can predict the driving distance between charges. Intelligent navigation software can also provide the shortest and least congested routes to reach destinations, maximizing battery usage – and finding the nearest charging stations.
SafetyEmbedded software is critical for the safety of electric vehicles, ensuring their proper operation while preventing potential hazards. The electronic control systems in electric vehicles are more tightly coupled than in traditional ICE vehicles. The connections between the onboard embedded systems in electric vehicles must ensure the safety and performance of the vehicle.
In addition to monitoring and helping maintain vehicle performance, some electric vehicles are equipped with software that can detect potential collisions, warning drivers using sensors and cameras or automatically braking when necessary.
PerformanceSoftware is essential for operation and supports improvements in EV vehicle design. Diagnostic data is shared with cloud servers, which analyze it to enhance safety and performance.This is important because electric vehicle manufacturers still face challenges that need to be overcome.
The industry must find viable ways to reduce cost premiums while increasing driving range and shortening charging times. Battery safety is another area that requires more R&D. The collected data also helps determine the locations for new charging infrastructure and improvements.
UpdatesSoftware updates in traditional vehicles are typically done via cables. In contrast, EV software updates are mainly completed wirelessly (OTA). Regularly updating software and upgrading as necessary to ensure vehicle safety, security, and functionality is very important.
Embedded software must also include cybersecurity features, such as encryption and secure communication protocols, to prevent hacking and unauthorized access to vehicle systems.
Autonomous DrivingElectric vehicles pave the way for the development of connected and autonomous driving. The entire operation of the vehicle relies on software control, meaning they can be automated more easily than ICE vehicles.
Software supporting autonomous driving in electric vehicles has the potential to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve road efficiency. This software uses advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and mapping technologies.
However, there are still obstacles before autonomous driving becomes mainstream. For example, connected cars require extensive infrastructure involving the Internet of Things (IoT), which must be capable of communicating and navigating securely in real-time without errors. Road safety is also a critical issue that must be addressed before autonomous vehicles hit the road.
Additionally, while electric vehicles continually improve battery efficiency for maximum driving range, autonomous vehicles require a significant amount of sensors, connectivity, and computational energy overhead. The electric vehicle industry must meet the demand for achieving longer ranges while reducing costs and shortening charging times.Despite these challenges, electric vehicles have taken significant first steps towards developing autonomous and connected cars.
ConclusionEmbedded software is crucial for the operation of electric vehicles as it plays a vital role in the vehicle’s operation, maintenance, navigation, safety, and security. This technology has achieved significant milestones, but there is still room for improvement. The main goals of electric vehicle development are to increase driving range, shorten charging times, and reduce costs while ensuring safety standards are met.
In the future, only fully electric vehicles with embedded software will achieve full autonomy. The software involved in communicating with sensors, connecting to IoT infrastructure, and computing navigation and mobility will play a key role in achieving this goal.Overall, the ongoing development of embedded software for electric vehicles is essential for the industry’s growth and success, as well as the future of autonomous driving.