Changes in the automotive industry are a popular topic of discussion. Technology advancements are influencing various trends and upgrades in vehicles, including major trends like zero-emission cars and autonomy, as well as niche trends like miniaturization and energy storage methods.
Nowadays, vehicles are equipped with more electronics than ever before. Both consumers and transportation professionals are seeking enhanced capabilities from their vehicles, such as advanced safety features, infotainment options, improved security, and increased passenger comfort.
Power and interconnect components play a crucial role in driving vehicles and other modes of transportation forward. Recently, three automotive component experts from two leading electronics companies – Shawn Luke, who is the technical marketing manager at DigiKey, and Matt McWhinney and Kirk Ulery, who are business development managers at Molex, engaged in a discussion about the driving factors in current automotive design.
As car manufacturers strive to make vehicles smarter and more connected, the demand for electronic components to power them continues to rise. According to Statista, it is projected that electronics will account for 50% of the cost of a new car by 2030.
The surge in electronic features in vehicles presents a vast opportunity for innovation, as Ulery pointed out. He emphasized that electronics will be a key component in the future of vehicles, regardless of where the industry lands in terms of electrified vehicles and other propulsion systems.
The shift towards electrification in automobiles has paved the way for innovative vehicle designs. With the elimination of the traditional internal combustion engine, auto manufacturers have greater flexibility in distributing batteries and charging ports, as well as expanding space for passengers or cargo.
The electrification trend has resulted in an influx of new EV manufacturers entering the market, offering a diverse range of models. While these vehicles may currently be costly and lack standardization, the variety allows consumers more options for customization. As technology advances and production scales up, the cost of electric vehicles is expected to decrease.
McWhinney noted that it will take time to establish a common layout for electric vehicle design due to the rapid pace of technological advancements and innovations in the industry. He highlighted that many platforms are still in the early stages, resembling expensive prototypes.
Regardless of the manufacturer or model, all electric vehicles require reliable power and high-speed data transmission for real-time decision-making. The evolution of microprocessors has revolutionized automotive design with the introduction of the software-defined vehicle platform, enhancing modularity, flexibility, and connectivity within vehicle systems.
Ulery emphasized that the automotive industry is transitioning towards reducing the amount of wiring in vehicles by adopting technologies like the two-wire Ethernet standard and 48-volt electrical systems. These advancements lead to better-engineered vehicles capable of meeting the high connectivity speed requirements of future vehicles.
While automakers are focusing on producing battery electric vehicles, U.S. consumers are showing interest in hybrid vehicles. The growth rate of hybrid vehicle purchases in the U.S. has surged, with electric vehicle sales facing some challenges due to infrastructure and range limitations.
Commercial fleets are also embracing sustainability by incorporating battery electric, plug-in electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles for various transportation needs. The emphasis on sustainability was evident at the 2024 Work Truck Week, where electric and hydrogen-powered systems were prevalent.
When selecting components for automotive designs, factors like modularity, contact geometries, efficiency, use case, assembly convenience, and safety must be considered. Certifying bodies like the Automotive Electronic Council (AEC) and the US Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) establish standards for automotive components to ensure ruggedness, reliability, and high performance.
Safety remains a top priority in automotive design, as Ulery stressed. The reliability of components is crucial, considering the implications of component failure in a moving vehicle. The experts emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and adherence to safety standards in component selection.
Looking ahead, consumer demand for advanced safety features, comfort, and electrified vehicles is expected to continue. The trend towards miniaturized automotive electronic components will persist, driven by the increased installation of microprocessors in vehicles.
McWhinney highlighted the implications of the software-defined vehicle platform and the potential for autonomous vehicles by 2030. While full autonomy may still be years away, advancements in fast data processing and driver-assist features are paving the way for safer and more efficient vehicles.
The transportation and automotive industries will remain at the forefront of innovation, with suppliers like Molex and DigiKey playing a crucial role in accelerating progress through the provision of high-quality components and services. Matt McWhinney, Kirk Ulery, and Shawn Luke emphasized the importance of safety, reliability, and innovation in shaping the future of automotive electronics.