Elektrobit and Foxconn partner to develop software-defined EV platform

Elektrobit, an automotive software products and services provider, has announced a new JDA with Taiwanese electronic manufacturer Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn). The companies intend to jointly develop a software platform that can be used in the development of EVs.

The platform, EV.OS, will feature newly developed software and hardware components that the companies hope will "support the rapid transformation” of smarter, software-defined EVs, according to the announcement. The AI-centric software being developed includes a reference electrical/electronic architecture system (EV.EAA), a non-differentiating EV operating system, and an EV application. Development of the software will be heavily digitalised, with a continuous integration/continuous testing/continuous deployment (CI/CT/CD) toolchain and a Level Three virtualised environment set to be used by the partners.

Once completed, Elektrobit will leverage its software platform integration capabilities to make EV.OS and EV.EAA the foundation of the SDV platform. This will involve several high-performance electronic control units (ECUs) being used in real-time to enable all functional domains to have service-oriented architecture. Third-party integration is also planned as a semantic vehicle application programming interface (API) will also be included in the platform.

More efficient scalability of EV software to increase production efficiency has been outlined as the main goal of the project. However, the companies also hope that the platform will reduce overall total cost of ownership and “accelerate the commoditisation” of the automotive industry for consumers’ benefit.

The two companies entered the JDA due to a “common ambition” in supporting the growth of both electrification and digitalisation in the automotive industry, especially in the platform solutions space. Maria Anhalt, CEO of Elektrobit, explained: “By combining Elektrobit’s automotive software expertise with Foxconn’s manufacturing and hardware innovation, we are creating a scalable platform that reduces complexity, shortens development cycles and supports future mobility business models.” 

This is Elekrobit’s second SDV-focused partnership this year. In February, it announced a collaboration with technology and solutions consultant Cognizant that saw its Software Development Kit (SDK) being integrated into Cognizant’s SDV-focused solutions package. The package, which is aimed at OEMs and tier one suppliers featured several AI-driven tools that can be used to develop SDV architecture. Foxconn, meanwhile, has had several partnerships with OEMs in recent years. This includes a partnership with Stellantis focusing on the development of semi-conductors.

The JDA comes at a time of increased uncertainty within the EV space. Fluctuations in consumer demand and changing regulatory support have seen some OEMs pull back from their electric transition, while others have committed to widespread electrification. To find out more on how the EV landscape has changed, see our analyses below: