
In his newsletter „The Automotive OS perspective“ on LinkedIn, Dr. Moritz Neukirchner, Strategic Product Manager at Elektrobit, discusses the definition of a software-defined vehicle (SDV) and proposes a classification into six SDV levels (Level 0 to 5), similar to the SAE autonomy levels. He emphasizes that the term „software-defined vehicle“ is often overused and a clearer differentiation is necessary. The proposed levels range from „software-assisted“ (level 0) to „innovation platform“ (level 5), where third-party manufacturers can develop software for vehicles, similar to the smartphone world. Neukirchner’s approach provides an interesting basis for discussion in order to structure and evaluate the development of SDVs. (oe)