Torque Shop What does the term "software-defined vehicle" mean to motorists and car owners?

There is an ongoing race for carmakers to make their products "smarter." A software-defined vehicle (SDV) uses software to control various on-board user interface, monitoring and electromechanical functions.

- Shreejit Changaroth

Think of it as a computer on wheels.

American electric vehicle company Tesla is regarded as one of the pioneers in this field, but other companies have also been using this approach. The range of software-driven devices in automobiles has been growing, with more functions being incorporated as the software continues to develop.

Most people can relate to digital displays, infotainment systems and user interface. But the major difference between an SDV and a conventional vehicle is its use of computerized driver aids for optimizing on-road performance, passenger comfort, vehicle status and dynamic safety, including active driver-intervention.