As vehicles become more connected, automated, and electrified, centralized E/E architecture is essential for enabling seamless communication between sensors and electronic control units (ECUs). Electrical/Electronic (E/E) architecture is the integrated framework that connects and manages all electrical and electronic systems within a vehicle, which enables communication, functionality, and control across various components. With the global automotive software and electronics market expected to reach 469 billion USD by 2030, E/E architecture can open up various opportunities for OEMs.
The major shift from traditional to advanced E/E Architecture
Previously, vehicles were designed with a large number of individual Electronic Control Units (ECUs) dedicated to specific functions. Each ECU operates independently, such as engine performance, braking, lighting, and infotainment. While this decentralized approach allows for specialization, it also leads to a complex and inefficient system. This means each ECU requires its own hardware, wiring, and software, and contributes to higher manufacturing costs.
In contrast, the modern approach to E/E architecture is moving toward centralization, where fewer, more powerful ECUs manage multiple vehicle functions. Centralized architecture combines different operations into one or a few high-performance computing platforms capable of managing diverse tasks simultaneously. This consolidation reduces complexity, production costs, and increases vehicle flexibility. Specifically, as vehicles become more feature-rich, the cost of automotive electronics is expected to reach 50% of total car cost by 2030.
Key Trends that Drive the Evolution of E/E Architecture
65 million vehicles in 2035, centralized systems will become even more critical for automakers to stay competitive.
64% of consumers are willing to switch to OEMs offering superior autonomous driving experiences, signaling a growing demand for innovation in this space.
95% of new vehicles are expected to be connected by 2030, E/E architecture must evolve to support scalable, high-bandwidth, and secure connectivity solutions.
Impacts of the E/E Architecture Shift on OEMs
Cost saving
By consolidating multiple ECUs into a unified platform, OEMs can achieve significant cost savings across manufacturing, assembly, and parts sourcing. For instance, centralized platforms facilitate OTA updates, enabling automakers to deliver software improvements and new features without requiring hardware changes. This capability can save automakers up to 35 billion USD annually in recall-related expenses, while enhancing customer satisfaction through seamless upgrades.
Discover how the shift to zonal and central computer architecture in car E/E systems presents opportunities and challenges across the automotive value chain: Gear Up for Next-Gen E/E Architecture with Zonal Compute: The Automotive Industry’s Game Changer.
Enhanced user experience
Centralized architecture enables OEMs to enhance user experience. By consolidating control functions, centralized platforms create more intuitive and responsive systems for features like infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In addition, centralized E/E systems enable highly personalized driving experiences. Drivers can customize settings such as seat position, climate control, and infotainment preferences, delivering tailored comfort and convenience. The enhanced computational power of these platforms facilitates the development of sophisticated, visually appealing user interfaces that are easy to navigate.
Accelerate in the future of software-defined vehicles with FPT
The shift to centralized, software-defined E/E architecture in vehicles opens up numerous opportunities for manufacturers to enhance their product offerings and tap into new revenue streams. More importantly, as vehicles become more reliant on software and cloud-based services, OEMs are increasingly partnering with tech companies, including software vendors, cloud providers, and telecommunications companies. By working with these technology leaders, OEMs can stay at the cutting edge of digital innovation and enhance their vehicles’ capabilities in areas like autonomous driving, cybersecurity, and infotainment.
FPT offers a comprehensive suite of engineering services encompassing in-vehicle infotainment, E/E architecture design consultancy, Electronic Control Units (ECU), security, automotive UI/UX design, wireless connectivity, and digital engineering. With more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry, a vast talent pool, and the latest technologies, FPT aspires to accelerate the rapid development of automotive - a sector now determined by software.
Find out more about our service offerings here: https://fptsoftware.com/industries/automotive.
