Qualcomm and Renault to co-develop high-performance platform for software-defined vehicles

Renault Group and Qualcomm Technologies have announced today that the companies intend to take their technology collaboration one step further with plans to deliver a centralised compute architecture for Renault’s next-generation of software-defined vehicles.

Known as ‘Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Platforms,’ the high-performance automotive platforms would be based on Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ solutions from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and support digital cockpit, connectivity, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The companies also announced that Qualcomm Technologies, or one of its affiliates, will also be investing in the Renault Group’s dedicated electric and software company, known as Ampere.

"From the mobile to the car with advanced and revolutionary technology, the Software Defined Vehicle is the future of the automotive industry: it is about meeting expectations in terms of functionality and services while controlling complexity and costs. Renault Group is strengthening its strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, a major mobile and automotive technology player, to bring the first open and horizontal Software Defined Vehicle platform to the automotive market. The combination of Renault Group's expertise in automotive technology and Qualcomm Technologies’ proven leadership in the high-performance low power semiconductors, software and systems platforms will enable us to provide a scalable, competitive and innovative software-defined vehicle platform foundation to drive the services ecosystem and deliver value to our customers,” said Luca de Meo, CEO, Renault Group.

“Qualcomm is very proud of its relationship with the Renault Group and the expansion of our collaboration to jointly define the car of the future with leading semiconductors, software and services. We are thrilled to have our Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions play a pivotal role in ushering in their next generation of software-defined vehicles and help accelerate the digital transformation of the automobile, said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated.

Powering SDVs with advanced technology solutions
As an extension of ongoing technology collaborations between the companies, Renault Group and Qualcomm Technologies plan to deliver next-generation SDV architecture that leverages extensible and flexible solutions to address the evolving needs and requirements for vehicles.

From 2026, Renault vehicles will utilise the SDV platform, including new generations of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis, designed to power new Android cockpits and make the on-board experience more immersive and personal; and centralize other vehicle functions, such as advanced driver assistance (ADAS), body, chassis, telematics, connectivity, Power Line Communications (PLC), safety and cybersecurity in the Physical Computer Unit (PCU).  This will optimize hardware and software costs, allowing connection to the Physical Interface Unit (PIU), which provides the zonal interface with the vehicle’s actuators.  In parallel, the SDV architecture is designed to be open to other vehicle manufacturers.

Optimising SDV costs
By working with Qualcomm Technologies, one of the world leaders in semiconductors and software, Renault Group aims to optimize its development and commercialisation plans through a co-development approach, which provides the right system level platform capabilities for hardware, software and services.

The growing technological collaboration between Renault Group and Qualcomm Technologies started in 2018. Since then, Renault has featured Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms in the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric’s OpenR Link multimedia system and has plans to utilize Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions to deliver seamless connectivity and intelligent in-car experiences to their drivers and passengers.