When most people think of our race cars, they likely immediately think, “electric.”
Yet, while electrification is an important aspect of our cars, it’s not the only innovation that drives our work. What truly sets us apart is how we’re transforming cars into high-tech, software-powered machines.
They are by all intents and purposes, a Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) But what does it really mean? And how does it shape the work we’re doing at Envision Racing?
What are Software-Defined Vehicles?
Just as smartphones transformed from basic telephones to multifunctional devices, cars have evolved from analogue transportation machines to electronically enabled vehicles, and now to highly complex systems powered by sophisticated software.
Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) enable a wide range of advanced capabilities.
What makes SDVs different?
At the core of SDVs is the idea that the vehicle’s performance, features, and overall operation are largely governed by software. For a consumer vehicle, that could mean self-driving features that steer the vehicle, sensor-based safety systems that prevent accidents, or personalised in-car assistance that adapts to your preferences. SDVs are revolutionising user experience.
The vehicle you drive is no longer just a machine with wheels; it’s now a smart, connected platform that offers dynamic, real-time functionality powered by software. While hardware remains vitally important, particularly in an EV, it’s the software layer that enables all the advanced features we’re now seeing.
On the racetrack, Envision Racing is already leading the charge in leveraging software to drive success (literally). Our race car is effectively a supercomputer-on-wheels.
Using technology to win: Envision Racing’s approach
At Envision Racing, software is absolutely critical to our operations and performance. So many aspects of Formula E racing rely on software, such as maximising the efficiency of the car, energy management strategy, sporting strategy and more. We therefore embed it in everything we do and invest a lot of time and money into it. In fact, we upgrade our software every week and go into each race with a completely new version so the rate of innovation is huge.
This approach has contributed to our success in Formula E (we’re the 2023 FIA Formula E Team’s World Champions), demonstrating the power of software in electric racing.
Our Formula E cars rely heavily on software to manage energy consumption. We’re using software to constantly monitor and adjust energy usage during the race based on factors like track conditions, driving style, and remaining race distance. This optimisation is crucial for maximising performance and completing the race without running out of battery power. To finish first, first you have to finish!
Software also plays a vital role in controlling our regenerative braking systems, which recapture energy during braking and store it in the battery. Efficiently managing this process, whilst also managing other factors like battery temperature, is essential for optimising energy efficiency and maximising performance.
With the introduction of four-wheel drive this year, software systems can also be used to help maximise traction and stability, ensuring optimal grip and control, especially during cornering and acceleration.
Software is the differentiator. From optimising energy efficiency to enhancing vehicle performance in real-time, the software behind our cars is what helps us outperform the competition. And the impact is reaching the consumer too! Some manufacturers in the sport are using learnings from Formula E to perform over-the-air updates of existing vehicles, adding additional range to a car that may have been sold several years ago. Imagine that whilst you’re sleeping, your EV on the driveway is getting an extra 10% range via a software update.
As the automotive world turns more towards SDVs, our commitment to innovation is paving the way for a new era of intelligent racing.
The future of SDVs
According to Boston Consulting Group, the market for Software-Defined Vehicles is projected to be worth over $650 billion by 2030, representing 15-20% of the automotive industry’s value.
This shift marks the dawn of an era where software drives everything from vehicle functionality to customer experience, leading to safer, more efficient, and more personalised transportation options.
At Envision Racing, we believe that SDVs are not just the future of electric racing—they’re the future of the entire automotive industry. As technology continues to advance, cars will become even smarter, more connected, and more capable of handling the complexities of modern life.
Our parent company, Envision Group, shares this vision. With its expertise in wind turbines, battery technology, and energy storage solutions, Envision Group has established itself as one of the leading software-driven companies in the world. This deep commitment to innovation and technology underpins our approach to both racing and the future of mobility.
In this brave new world, the possibilities for what a vehicle can do are virtually limitless. From cars that anticipate your needs to vehicles that communicate with their environment for optimised performance, the potential of SDVs is truly exciting.
The road ahead
The future of transportation inevitably lies in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), transforming cars into intelligent, interconnected hubs. At Envision Racing, we’re not just racing cars – we’re striving to develop cutting-edge software that will help enable and power the future of mobility.
This focus on software will lead to smarter, safer, and more connected driving experiences. For us, the goal extends beyond winning races: it’s about revolutionising how we move sustainably, one line of code at a time.
