Mazda co-developing EV vehicle control systems with Toyota, to be 90 percent identical after 2027
Arvind · Jan 22, 2024 09:00 PM
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Mazda and Toyota are reportedly co-developing a range of EV in-vehicle hardware and software control systems that will feature in the next generation models of both brands.
The venture is said to reduce Mazda’s development cost by 80 percent and remain competitive against in-vehicle control systems from major US and European manufacturers as well as and tech giants such as Huawei and Google, according to Nikkei Asia.
In-vehicle systems refer to software and network of hardware components that control a car’s functions. Essentially it covers the Operating System (OS) and network of safety, powertrain, electrical and electronic systems, as well as the wiring network that runs throughout the vehicle.
Reportedly, up to 90 percent of the in-vehicle systems in Mazda EVs after 2027, will be identical to Toyotas.
Following earlier reports, Mazda has already stated it plans to introduce its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) model in 2027 in collaboration with Toyota, which could be followed by another 6- to 7 fully electric models expected between 2028 and 2030.
Thus, it is likely that the EV models launched in that period will feature Toyota/Mazda co-developed in-vehicle systems.
At the heart of the system will be Toyota’s Arene OS which is claimed to control over 200 vehicle functions and even be able to simulate a manual gearbox for an EV vehicle. The Arene OS slated to be debut in a “global volume production model” as early as 2025.
The Toyota Arene OS will combine the car's vehicle and electronic platforms into one
Just like smartphones, the Arene OS will also include a Software Development Kit (SDK) that will enable 3rd-party suppliers to integrate features and functions into the OS as well as a sophisticated User Interaction (UI) platform to allow the vehicle to communicate with the driver and the world around it.
With the surge of EV models from nearly every manufacturer, software-defined vehicle functions will increasingly determine a vehicle’s features. Being a relatively small manufacturer, Mazda will leverage on Toyota’s hardware and software systems to remain competitive against larger manufacturers such as Tesla and Volkswagen, as well as companies like Volvo which run on the Android Automotive OS.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
