The automotive industry is going through a drastic change, and it is focusing more on developing sustainable solutions than fuel-consuming ones.
Now, people have understood the true meaning of going green. To prevent the environment from being affected, almost every industry is implementing and following green practices in which automobile is one of them.
Electric car sales have surged in the U.S. since 2020. In 2023, around 1.6 million EVs were sold, a 60% increase from the 1 million sold in 2022. The U.S. made up 9.7% of all new EV registrations globally in 2022.
Worldwide, EV sales exceeded 10 million in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, over 2.3 million EVs were sold globally, marking a 25% year-over-year increase.
“Sustainable energy is the future of mobility” – Elon Musk
It is not just about deploying gas engines with electric ones but about the fundamentals of going green in all ways. The automotive industry can grow more and easily practice environmentally friendly tactics with software advancements to keep a keen eye on its work.
In this blog post, we will discuss how EV software development, or EV Charging software development, is changing the automotive industry.
Electric vehicle software development is the future of the automotive industry. In the upcoming years, many changes will be seen that are sustainable in all aspects. Software plays a crucial role here as it helps manage batteries, improve safety, and increase energy efficiency.
The major elements of EV software are the following:
These components make EVs energy-efficient, reliable and fun to drive. Let’s discuss them briefly one by one so that you can haver a better idea.
To Develop Electric vehicle software, you must have specific skills and expertise. If you have the team in house, then you don’t have to look for anywhere else, but if you don’t ave these skills, you an opt for outsourcing or freelancing.
Your software development team will decide the future of your app and how it will enhance user experience.
Starting from battery management to guaranteeing smooth communication, EV charging software development has to interface with numerous elements to deliver safe, effective, and enjoyable driving. Alright, let me explain it in detail
When we started working on our EV software project, we first sat down with all stakeholders—engineers, designers, and potential users—to gather detailed requirements. This is more than a brainstorming session; it’s about understanding what the vehicle needs to achieve and how the software can make that happen.
For example, Tesla’s Autopilot software development involved close collaboration with AI experts and drivers to define performance and safety benchmarks.
That is like drawing the plan of a building known as a skyscraper since developing the system’s architectural design is a parallel process. For a system to function as intended, it is not only about placing all the parts in a certain network, but also in making them be functional with each other.
For instance, since we needed to know what our BMS, VCU, infotainment, and telematics would look like, we sketched out the interface in advance.
For instance, in Rivian, hardware, and software components in their system comprise these substructures to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering features to the user. The design must be this particular and therefore future proof to future alterations, directions and development.
Speaking of software development, Coding is one of the key steps where the plan is made and written down. Then it brings into life with the help of software development experts. This can be time-consuming as well as stressful; you just need to keep patience and wait for the right time when it will get fully developed.
To avoid facing chairs and to maintain the quality of the application, we believe in an agile approach so that everything will be transparent to you. Here, we work on only part at a time, which helps in eliminating errors and miscommunication.
Programming languages such as C++ and Python were favored because of their efficiency and flexibility. An example is NIO’s proprietary software that the company develops to run the car, it is coded using advanced coding techniques to provide optimal performance and durability.
Another aspect is similar to assembling a challenging puzzle – the integration of the received software modules. Each part has to form an ideal combination. To ensure that the integration was working as expected, we utilized different testing tools to emulate the environment, rather than testing it directly on the real environment. Another perfect model is BMW’s iDrive system, which was also tested on the real road and through simulations.
I identified a group of automation testing tools that could have assisted in identifying problems at an earlier stage of development so that they would not waste resources. This phase is the most important, as developers search for imperfections that occur with the program in various circumstances and try to correct them.
Validation and verification are two processes that are all about making sure that specific software does not contradict some set rules or regulations as well as that it behaves in a manner that is somewhat expected of it.
In this stage, we also ensured that our software was thoroughly checked for compliance with regulations such as ISO 26262 on functional safety.
Other companies such as Lucid Motors undergo similar validation procedures to ensure their software is ready for market use. This builds confidence among developers. They can now be sure that their developed software is secure, dependable, and fit for use.
Deploying the software into the vehicle is a moment of triumph. However, it’s not the end of the journey. We conducted final tests post-deployment to ensure everything functioned as planned.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates, like those used by Tesla, allow us to provide updates and fix issues without requiring the vehicle to visit a service center. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining the software’s performance and introducing new features over time.
It does not end here; people have to continue to work after they have been deployed. Continuous improvement is certainly an important factor in the fast-growing EV market. We gather feedback and performance data and perform updates on a regular basis.
For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV software is often updated to improve performance and energy usage. Thus, being in touch with the latest trends and technologies guarantees that the software we create is up-to-date and meets the market demands.
An eco-driving assistant app offers suggestions and advice to a driver while on the road to help him consume less energy and stay in the right direction. For instance, the SafeDrive app monitors driving behavior and provides recommendations on how to drive more fuel-efficiently. This application can help drivers cut their energy consumption by 20%, which will prolong battery life and reduce charging expenses.
Navigation software assists drivers in reducing travel time and fuel consumption by factoring in traffic patterns, terrain inclines, and available charging stations. This is especially important for EVs, and the A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) app is one of the best in this regard as it gives routes tailored to current traffic conditions and the availability of charging points. This way, users can reduce travel time by 15 percent and they also don’t have to worry about running out of power since charging stations will always be nearby.
Remote diagnostics apps are also used by users to diagnose the health of their vehicles on a timely basis and be alerted about specific problems before they turn into major ones. The OBD for android identifies the car’s OBD-II system and monitors it by providing diagnostic data, fault codes, and maintenance alerts. This proactive strategy cuts the likelihood of random failures by 30%, aiding vehicle reliability and has the added benefit of improving the end consumers’ satisfaction.
A charging station search application helps find charging station in proximity and relate available charging points, the speed, prices, etc. The PlugShare has proved to be one of the most efficient applications allowing determine the exact location and the availability of the charging stations in different countries with the options of comments from other users and the real-time data. It assists users to make efficient arrangements and make a point to plan their agendas so that they may have to look for a charging point. Develop a charging station finder app with Spec India today.
Battery tracking utilities for Android allow users to monitor the condition and discharge of batteries and where to get tips on battery charge optimization. For instance, the MyTesla app is an application that offers Tesla customers detailed information about the battery and its historical charges. Such information can help users to charge battery with great latitude that would greatly enhance the battery life by up to a quarter.
Case Study – Development of Power BI Dashboard and Data Analytics for Battery Manufacturer
For organizations that deal with many EVs, there are fleet management apps that allow tracking the vehicles, scheduling maintenance, and monitoring performance. The Geotab Drive app is a complete package for fleet operators to locate the vehicles, track the drivers’ driving behavior, and plan maintenance. This can result in a 20% cut in operational expenses and better fleet efficiency.
Maintenance applications provide information on when particular components require maintenance or repair, thus minimizing the time that the equipment is out of service and the repair costs. The Nauto app is designed to harness the power of AI and machine learning to identify problems with vehicles and predict when they will require maintenance. This kind of maintenance strategy can help cut repair costs by a quarter while improving vehicle availability.
Infotainment applications in cars provide entertainment and other facilities such as music, navigation, internet, and much more during car rides. Android Auto is an application that connects a car’s screen with a smartphone, turning a vehicle into a smart one. This avoids boredom and keeps the drivers informed hence making long distances to be covered to be less stressful.
Smart home integration apps link the EV with home systems and enable users to manage their home devices from the car. For instance, the NissanConnect EV app enables Nissan Leaf owners to regulate their homes’ heating, lighting, and security systems using their cars. This integration is useful and efficient because it allows users to adjust the climate of their homes through a remote control.
Infotainment applications in cars provide entertainment and other facilities such as music, navigation, internet, and much more during car rides. Android Auto is an application that connects a car’s screen with a smartphone, turning a vehicle into a smart one. This avoids boredom and keeps the drivers informed hence making long distances to be covered to be less stressful.
This data enables the user to adjust his or her driving behavior and charging time, which results in energy savings of up to 20%.
Here are the ways to develop custom software through which you can develop software for EV of your own as per your need and requirements.
EV software is constantly evolving, adding advanced features that improve performance, safety and user experience. These features aren’t there just to keep the car running smoothly; They are about transforming the driving experience, offering unmatched convenience, and integrating seamlessly into the driver’s digital life. Let’s explore some of the quirks that define modern EV software.
Your Smartphone always gets automatic cool updates, right? Do you know EVs can do so, too? Well, thanks to OTA updates, car manufacturers such as Tesla are able to send software updates directly to your car without you necessarily visiting service centers. This gives a car some brain power whenever necessary.
Imagine this: your car smoothly cruises down the highway, effortlessly changing lanes, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. That’s the magic of autonomous driving, my friend.
EV charging software powers features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, making your ride safer and more relaxing. Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems lead the way in this futuristic technology.
Meet your new companion on your car trip—ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These wonderful features employ smart software to help protect you on a road trip.
Older cars used to get alerts of potential collisions and even guide you on how to park your car in the right spaces, while new cars get a safety assistant in addition to constant alerts. Well, there you have it, folks.
The next time you spend some time driving your car around, make sure to thank this creation for doing all that to protect you.
Have you ever asked yourself how and what makes the battery of your EV fully charged and frequently tested? Well, that is the beauty of the measures a smart battery management system can take.
This smart technology monitors the status of the battery, its temperature, and how you charge it so that it remains healthy. Yet, simultaneously, it feels as if one has a personal fitness coach for the battery!
The tedium of networking can easily be replaced by a fun spin around the city in an exciting model. As with most contemporary cars, the interior entertainment systems give drivers the experience of having a theatre on wheels.
With language translation, playing music, and streaming movies and shows, and easy navigation, it has it all. Picture yourself driving in your car, listening to your favorite songs, and having your car tell you where to go to have fun or reach any destination of your choice.
Once in a while, you may have fancied the idea of monitoring your car, though this may be impossible physically due to distance constraints. Well, guess what?
Still, you want to know that with remote monitoring software, you’re now able Regarding vehicle diagnostics or GPS tracking, to say nothing of navigation updates, constant car care is in your own hands, so to speak.
It has some similarities with finding a protective spirit following your vehicle home. Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems lead the way in this futuristic technology.
Interesting Reads: Top 11 Software Development Best Practices to Follow
When it comes to develop custom software for EV the costs can vary widely depending on factors such as complexity, features, development team expertise, and integration with existing systems.
Understanding these cost factors is essential for automakers and developers looking to create efficient, innovative, and reliable EV software. The cost of custom software development varies according to these factors.
Applications with few features and low complexity, such as navigation or charging station locators, could be cheaper.
Other areas, such as the self-driving car, batteries, and V2X, will be more costly due to their complexity.
Developing a basic EV charging station locator app might cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
A comprehensive vehicle control unit (VCU) system, which integrates multiple subsystems and manages the entire operation of the EV, could cost from $100,000 to several million.
When considering enterprise software development the choice of development team greatly impacts costs and outcomes. While it is possible to find inexpensive software developers, engineers, and project managers for EV technology, they will provide you with quality and reliable EV software.
In the United States, software engineers mostly work on an hourly basis, and they are likely to charge between $50 and $200 per hour. A medium-sized project of 5,000 development hours can amount to $250,000 to $1,000,000.
You can get a team of offshore developers for a cheaper per-hour rate, but there are questions you need to answer: Is cheaper really better regarding communication, time differences, and quality?
Adding new software systems to existing vehicle systems can increase the cost of ev software development. New software and hardware components need to be tested for compatibility with existing hardware, software, and firmware. Extensive testing and possible modifications add time and cost to the project.
Electric vehicle software development must ensure compliance with various industry standards and regulations and be tested for safety, reliability, and performance. This can involve extensive testing to demonstrate compliance with functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety for Road Vehicles) and UNECE regulations related to cybersecurity and over-the-air software updates. The complexity and scope of this testing can increase the cost of development.
Regulatory compliance and testing can easily cost $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the software’s complexity and scope.
The more complex the functionality required in the EV software, the more costly the development is going to be. Functions such as autonomous driving, real-time diagnostics, and over the air (OTA) software updates and updates, for example, need complex algorithms, large data processing, and high levels of security, all of which can raise development cost.
For example, the inclusion of self-driving functionalities in the software can increase the cost of EV software by $1m—$3m because of components such as sensors, AI, and ML algorithms.
As with any product, once it is on the market, there will be various costs associated with maintenance and updates which will need to be incorporated. As with any software, new bugs will be found, security issues will arise, and new features will be developed.
This means that the custom software will require constant updating and maintenance to ensure it continues to run effectively and that the business does not suffer if competitors obtain software that is better, newer, and more flexible.
This will, in turn, usually require a team dedicated to monitoring and providing support and carrying out development work. A $500,000 software project translates to $75,000 to $100,000 per year.
A rough estimate of annual maintenance and updates may be 15% to 20% of the first-year development cost.
Other factors that lead to the increase in costs include customization to suit the needs of different markets, languages, and customers.
Every market could have its peculiarities, legal restrictions, and user expectations, which have to be taken into account, resulting in further development work. Have a look at the cost of custom software development for better insights.
Here, you can check the cost to develop software according to their complexity.
| Type of Software | Differentiating Qualities | Time Frame | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Software | Basic features, minimal integration | 3 to 7 Months | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Medium Complex Software | Moderate features, some integration | 8 to 12 Months | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| Highly Complex Software | Advanced features, extensive integration | More than 12 months | $150,000 – $500,000 |
This concept of EV software development is a challenging one but can be highly rewarding where the field has many opportunities to advance the experience of electric vehicles.
Therefore, by understanding the development process and advanced technologies and clearly recognizing challenges, promoting the extension of effective approaches, you can bring extraordinary software to the EV market.
Let us know if you have any specific needs or requirements for customized software development.
Electric vehicle software solutions refer to the software layers that are developed and implemented to manage and optimize the electrical vehicle systems, such as battery systems, vehicle systems, and the interfaces in the electrical vehicles.
Key components of EV software include the Battery Management System (BMS), Motor Control Software, Autonomous Driving and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), Infotainment Systems, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. These components work together to ensure efficient operation, safety, and enhanced user experience.
OTA updates allow manufacturers to remotely update the vehicle's software, introducing new features, fixing bugs, and improving security without requiring a visit to the service center. This ensures the EV remains up-to-date with the latest advancements and maintains optimal performance and safety standards.
AI plays a significant role in EV software development by enabling autonomous driving features, enhancing predictive maintenance, optimizing battery management, and personalizing user experiences. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to make real-time decisions, improving the efficiency and safety of the vehicle.
Cybersecurity in EV software is addressed through robust encryption protocols, secure communication channels, regular security patches via OTA updates, and continuous monitoring for potential threats. Ensuring the software is secure from cyber-attacks is crucial for protecting user data and the vehicle’s operation.
Kajal Sharma is a Senior Content Writer at SPEC INDIA with over 6 years of experience. Specializing in SEO-centric writing, and with a strong hold in the IT sector, she excels at crafting engaging and optimized content. Kajal is adept at driving measurable results through strategic content creation. She also has wide experience in running marketing campaigns.
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