Hyundai EV technology to form the basis of its Software Defined Vehicles

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has announced that it will be moving towards Software Defined Vehicles wherein its cars will have the ability to have their performance and functionality enhanced through Over-The-Air updates. 2023 and onwards model year cars under its Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia brands will benefit from this shift towards its Connected Car Service. 

OTA updates will include enhancements in safety, convenience, connectivity, security, and driving performance for all its models. HMG expects about 20 million vehicles to be registered to the service by 2025.

"By transforming all vehicles to Software Defined Vehicles by 2025, Hyundai Motor Group will completely redefine the concept of the automobile and take the lead in ushering in a never-before-experienced era of mobility," said Chung Kook Park, President and Head of R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Group. "Creating visionary vehicles empowered with the ability to evolve through software will enable customers to keep their vehicles up to date with the latest features and technology long after they have left the factory."

The Group's next-generation EV platform, integrated controller, and internally developed Connected Car Operation System (ccOS), will form the basis of this soon-to-be-standard car feature. This transformation will apply to its future EV and Internal Combustion Engine lineup.

According to HMG, customers will be able to remotely upgrade the performance and functionality of their vehicles anywhere at any time, without any need to take them to a service center. And as the vehicle can constantly be updated, its residual value will also be enhanced. This service was initially introduced last year and will now be standard to newly launched models starting 2023. Features connected to the Infotainment, Comfort, Driving, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, will become OTA-ready.

Another effect of the shift to Software Defined Vehicles will be the offering of Feature on Demand or FoD services starting next year. Similar to BMW's subscription-based service, the Hyundai Motor Group will give its customers the ability to select and purchase functions and features that meet their needs and tastes. The manner of its implementation is still being finalized.

HMG will also create an internally developed Connected Car Operating System, or ccOS. The software will manage the constant connection of vehicles and their data stream. The large amounts of information generated by connected cars, and their processing, will be handled by NVIDIA Drive, a high-performance information processing semiconductor. 

Data generated through the connectivity of its vehicles include information from the vehicle's sensors and cameras. This will become the basis for further development of personalized services, according to HMG. It also assures that measures such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and establishing a dedicated department to manage data security will be in place to protect its cloud service. 

HMG will also use SDV to reduce the time required for all mass-production processes such as planning, design, and manufacturing of new models through the development of shared hardware and software platforms for its future models. By reducing complexity through SDV technology, HMG expects more efficient vehicle development, greater cost reductions, and improved profitability. 

To counteract the supply issues brought about by the current semiconductor shortage, Hyundai Motor Group also will pursue the localization of key components and secure alternative production sources. It is also in the process of developing devices that will replace semiconductors that are supply risks and will invest in stockpiling of microchips to ensure long-term supply. 

Are you ready for the connected cars of the future from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis?