The Rise of the Software-Defined Vehicle: Architectures, Enabling ...
arxiv.org
June 6, 2026, 1:13 p.m.
Software-Defined Vehicles represent a fundamental paradigm shift in automotive design, transitioning from hardware-centric to software-centric platforms capable of dynamic adaptation and continuous evolution. This comprehensive survey examines SDV architectures, enabling technologies, and operational frameworks, tracing the evolution from distributed electronic control units to centralized computing platforms. The paper reviews critical technologies including service-oriented software architectures, middleware, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based infrastructures, while introducing a structured taxonomy organizing SDV technologies across functional hardware, electrical-electronic architectures, software frameworks, automation mechanisms, and distributed infrastructure. Additionally, the study explores the Software-Defined Internet of Vehicles paradigm, integrating software-defined networking with edge and fog computing to enable scalable vehicular communication, while addressing cybersecurity and interoperability challenges inherent to modern connected vehicles.