The automotive landscape is witnessing a transformative change as manufacturers embrace zonal electrical architectures in their quest to optimize vehicle wiring systems and unlock new possibilities. Traditional distributed architectures, with their myriad of electronic control units and extensive wiring, are giving way to a more streamlined and efficient approach.
Zonal architectures group systems logically and physically into distinct zones, each managed by a single processor and connected to the central vehicle computer via Ethernet. This arrangement drastically reduces the amount of wiring and connections required, resulting in significant weight and cost savings. By 2034, it is estimated that 38% of vehicles will feature zonal architectures, up from a mere 2% currently.
The benefits of zonal architectures extend beyond cost reduction. They enable the development of complex applications, such as higher levels of driving automation, by promoting well-structured and safe software code. Over-the-air updates become seamless, allowing manufacturers to easily push new features and improvements to vehicles. Additionally, zonal architectures open up opportunities for subscription-based services, giving consumers the flexibility to customize their vehicle's functionality on-demand.
To fully realize the potential of zonal architectures, the automotive industry must embrace new partnerships and a software-driven development approach. High-voltage applications will require collaboration between battery, motor, power electronics, and materials providers. On the low-voltage side, semiconductor manufacturers, materials, and component providers will work together to reduce costs and improve reliability. OEMs will take the lead in software development, driving standardization and modularization of hardware systems.
The transition to zonal architectures also necessitates a shift to higher-voltage power systems. 48V systems will become the norm, supporting the increased power consumption and redundancy requirements of advanced vehicle features. This higher voltage enables lower power loss and lighter wiring harnesses, further contributing to weight reduction and efficiency gains.
As the demand for electrified vehicles continues to grow, the adoption of zonal architectures becomes imperative for manufacturers to stay competitive. By collaborating with suppliers and embracing this new paradigm, OEMs can unlock new revenue streams through advanced functionality and subscription-based services. The future of the automotive industry lies in the successful implementation of zonal architectures, paving the way for more efficient, innovative, and software-defined vehicles.
TE Connectivity, a global leader in connectivity and sensor solutions, is at the forefront of this transformation. With their expertise in high-speed data connections, combined power and data connections, advanced sensors, and progressive e-mobility solutions, TE is well-positioned to support the automotive industry's transition to zonal architectures. As the industry evolves, TE remains committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable the next generation of vehicles.
