The world of embedded systems in fuel powered cars is now a conventional thing, embedded systems in electric cars is a whole different kettle of fish. An entirely different set of design techniques are required to make an electric car. This is down to the fact that some software programs such as fuel injection, emissions control etc is not needed, instead a complete different set of programs are required to monitor battery performance, battery management etc. An electric car battery system is shown below for reference.
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Electric cars first posed a major issue to embedded systems. Most of these issues were resolved to one extent or another. However, there are still some issues with regards electric cars performance which is not as simple as fuel powered cars. In a fuel powered car, parts can be changed, turbos can be added, the ECU (electronic control unit) of the car can be remapped to further increase performance etc. but in an electric car, there are still issues surrounding battery management, battery life etc. Software developers have simply not been able to get the response they aimed for, some of this is down to the battery mechanics, however the rest is down to the software as to how these batteries are managed and used. [2] Below is the specifications of a Nissan Leaf, it is clear from this that there are still struggles with regards to range and power.
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In order to cope with the software demands of an electric car, more flexible architecture and standardized software components are necessary. As electric cars have the electric systems such as the electronic accelerator, power steering, entertainment systems, anti-lock brakes etc. they also have the demand of the car its self running. [4]
Although redesigning the ECU has proved to have its issues, it has also allowed for further expansion in the software design of cars and their functionality. As time goes on, mechanical engineers will continue to step back from the design of cars and software engineers will have more and more to do with the design and implementation of electric cars. [4]
Looking ahead into electric cars some current insights into the development would suggest a move towards time-triggered systems based on a real time Ethernet network. Some companies are already beginning to develop this method, however some alternatives would include graphic processors or re configurable hardware. [4]
Although electric cars have faced many set backs and issues with regards embedded system development in the car, it is predicted that by 2040, 35% of all new car sales will be electric cars. A graphical representation of this is shown below.
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