Software-defined vehicles to redefine Indian mobility – Auto News

By Amit Chadha

The flow of life in a Indian metropolitan city is so familiar that even on an ordinary day, situations unfold exactly as one would expect. On a recent event, I was waiting at a traffic light in my hybrid vehicle. The traffic pattern was usual. Motorcycles zip through gaps in traffic around me, where a vendor calls out from his cart, and a bus slowly moves forward, emitting a cloud of smoke. It’s the pulse of the city, which is busy, vibrant, and undeniably full of life.

While everything around me moves at its usual pace, my vehicle adapts seamlessly, using real-time software intelligence to adjust to the flow of traffic, optimise energy use, and make the journey more efficient. This is a hybrid software-defined vehicle (SDV), a new kind of mobility that blends electric power with advanced software, making everyday driving smarter, more efficient, and better suited to the realities of India’s diverse roads.

Hybrid SDVs bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and full electrification, integrating advanced software intelligence to create a solution that’s practical for India’s complex roads. These vehicles leverage real-time data analytics, over-the-air updates, cloud-based architectures, and to provide a futuristic travel experience. With India’s rapid progress in mobility engineering and ER&D (engineering, research & development) expertise, the nation is poised to lead the charge in the SDV revolution.

Hybrid SDVs are designed to evolve on the go, responding in real-time to everything from the driver’s needs to the unpredictable nature of our roads. They bring in the ability to receive seamless software updates, ensuring that your vehicle continues to improve, offering longevity and sustained excellence. This adaptability is a direct result of how engineering innovation is merging with intelligent automation.

In India, hybrid SDVs serve as a link between the push for electric mobility and the practical limitations we face. These vehicles work towards making it work in unique travel landscape. By using real-time data, hybrid SDVs can adapt to the fluctuating driving conditions, diverse demographics, and energy constraints that are part of our routines.

India’s ER&D sector is well-positioned to design the next generation of hybrid SDVs. The focus now is on building a whole new driving experience. From reimagining vehicle architecture to developing cloud-integrated platforms and automating processes, ER&D is playing a key  role in driving the hybrid SDV revolution. What makes this transformation possible is the swift adoption of tools like simulation technologies, digital twins and sustainability-first practices.

Hybrid SDVs can redefine Indian mobility, but bringing that potential requires addressing these gaps with strategic foresight. Limitations like inadequate charging and digital infrastructure pose logistical barriers, while the high upfront costs of implementation can deter early adopters. The key is to prioritise a collaborative approach, combining public and private sector efforts to expand infrastructure, incentivise adoption, and invest in upskilling talent.

The writer is CEO & MD, L&T Technology Services

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